The New York Knicks are in a slide-and not the kind you want to see in January. After dropping nine of their last eleven games and suffering three double-digit losses in their last four outings, the urgency around Madison Square Garden is starting to rise. Fans are restless, the media chatter is heating up, and now, it appears the front office is beginning to explore some major shakeups.
The biggest development? There’s growing league-wide buzz that the Knicks are open to moving Karl-Anthony Towns.
According to multiple league sources, New York has already had exploratory talks with several teams about Towns, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets, and-most intriguingly-the Orlando Magic.
Now, let’s be clear: nothing is imminent. But the fact that these conversations are happening is a clear sign that Leon Rose and the Knicks’ front office are seriously weighing their options ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. And if the goal is to bolster frontcourt depth without mortgaging the future or locking into another massive contract, Orlando might be the ideal trade partner.
Why Orlando? Let’s break it down.
Like the Knicks, the Magic are feeling the squeeze when it comes to the salary cap. They’re sitting at nearly $200 million in total cap allocations, which makes them a prime candidate to get involved in a multi-team deal-especially one that helps them shed salary and collect some draft capital in the process.
For the Knicks, that opens the door to a few intriguing possibilities.
The most compelling name in the mix? Wendell Carter Jr.
At 6'10", Carter brings a solid all-around game to the table. He’s averaging 7.7 rebounds per game, holds a 111.3 defensive rating, and is shooting 36% from beyond the arc this season-slightly better than Towns’ 35.8% clip.
That combination of rebounding, rim protection, and floor spacing would be a welcome addition to a Knicks team looking for more balance in the frontcourt.
And Carter’s not the only name worth watching.
Goga Bitadze, the 6'11" center known for his defensive instincts and physical presence, could be a sneaky value pickup. Jonathan Isaac, another 6'10" defensive specialist, has long been viewed as a high-upside piece-if he can stay healthy. Both players are on manageable contracts, which would give the Knicks flexibility moving forward.
That’s a key part of the equation here. Towns is under a massive long-term deal, and while his offensive talent is undeniable, the Knicks have to think carefully about how that contract fits into their long-term plans. By contrast, players like Carter, Bitadze, and Isaac are on much more affordable deals-Carter’s $58.6 million contract, for example, comes off the books after this season.
So, what’s the play?
If the Knicks can offload Towns and bring in a couple of quality bigs from Orlando-while also potentially recouping draft assets-they’d not only address their immediate need for frontcourt depth but also create financial breathing room down the line. That’s the kind of move that could pay off both now and in the future.
Of course, it all comes down to what Orlando is willing to part with and how the Knicks value those pieces. But make no mistake: this is a situation worth watching. The Knicks are at a crossroads, and with the trade deadline fast approaching, the next few weeks could define the trajectory of their season-and maybe even their next few years.