Knicks Trade Rumors: Why Holding Onto Karl-Anthony Towns Still Makes the Most Sense-Unless Giannis Becomes Available
The New York Knicks have made a habit of swinging big in recent trade windows. Over the past few seasons, they've added major pieces like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns-moves that signaled a franchise serious about contending in the East. With the 2026 trade deadline fast approaching, the Knicks are once again in the thick of the rumor mill.
At the center of the buzz? Two names: Karl-Anthony Towns and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Let’s start with the obvious: if Giannis becomes available-and that’s still a very big “if”-the Knicks are seen as a top landing spot. The two-time MVP would be a game-changing addition, and New York has just enough salary-matching flexibility to make a deal work, especially if Towns is the outgoing piece.
The financial side lines up cleanly, with both players on similar average annual salaries. Toss in a minimum contract player, and the math checks out.
But here’s the thing-unless the Knicks are landing Giannis, trading Towns doesn’t make much sense. In fact, it could be a disastrous move.
Yes, the Knicks have hit a rough patch, dropping nine of their last 12 games. And yes, Towns hasn’t quite replicated the career-best production he delivered in his first season in New York.
But even in what some are calling a “down year,” he’s still putting up 21 points and 11.6 rebounds a night. That’s All-Star level production, plain and simple.
Let’s not forget what Towns brings to the table. He’s a career 22.9 points-per-game scorer and arguably the best three-point shooting big man the league has ever seen.
That elite shooting from the five spot is a luxury most teams can only dream about. For a Knicks squad built around Jalen Brunson’s ball-dominant style and a roster full of gritty, point-of-attack defenders, Towns’ offensive versatility is a perfect fit.
He stretches the floor, scores in the post, and even flashes playmaking ability. That’s a rare combination.
Despite recent struggles, the Knicks are not in a tailspin. They’re still very much in the Eastern Conference mix, and let’s not forget-they made the Eastern Conference Finals just last season. That’s not the kind of team that should be looking to offload a cornerstone like Towns unless the return is truly franchise-altering.
And while some teams are reportedly sniffing around-namely the Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, and Memphis Grizzlies-none of those squads are offering anything close to equal value. The Knicks aren’t actively shopping Towns, but league chatter suggests he could become a trade candidate if things don’t turn around quickly. Still, unless Giannis is on the other end of the phone, New York should hang up.
There’s always temptation to go “all-in” at the deadline, especially in a year where the East feels wide open. But sometimes, the smartest move is the one you don’t make.
The Knicks already made their big swing when they brought Towns to the Garden. Now, it’s about letting that investment pay off.
If Giannis becomes available, sure-go for it. That’s a generational player who can tilt the league’s balance of power.
But if not, the Knicks are better off staying the course. Towns still has plenty to offer, and if he finds his rhythm again down the stretch, New York could be right back in the Finals conversation.