The New York Knicks have not engaged in any discussions about a possible Karl-Anthony Towns trade this season and plan on keeping him during this challenging stretch, according to league and team sources. The decision comes despite Towns’ recent struggles and rival executives speculating about his future with the franchise.
From December 31 to January 19, Towns averaged just 17.9 points on 43.7 percent shooting and 33.3 percent from three. New York went 2-8 in those games in which he played, with the big man on the wrong side of the plus-minus ledger in eight contests.
His attempts dipped to 13.5 shots per game, well below his production from his stellar 2024-25 season, when he averaged 24.4 points on 16.9 attempts while shooting 52.6 percent overall and 42 percent from deep with 12.8 rebounds. The dropoff has been stark and noticeable.
Team president Leon Rose was Towns’ former agent at Creative Artists Agency and maintains deep personal ties that were instrumental in bringing him from the Minnesota Timberwolves to New York. Towns is owed $57 million next season and has a player option for the 2027-28 campaign worth $61 million.
The franchise’s commitment to Towns aligns with owner James Dolan’s recent public comments. Speaking to WFAN Sports radio in early January in his first interview since January 2023, Dolan set clear championship expectations for the organization.
“Look, I mean we want to get to the finals, right?” Dolan said. “And we should win the finals, right? …Anything can happen in sports, but getting to the finals – we’ve absolutely gotta do. Winning the finals – we should win.”
New York has lost nine of 12 games since that January 5 interview aired before defeating the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. The continued struggles and brutally honest reactions from head coach Mike Brown to Towns’ poor play have fueled speculation around the league.
The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade possibility that emerged in the offseason, revealing the Milwaukee Bucks star has genuine interest in playing at Madison Square Garden, couldn’t have helped Towns’ confidence in his job security. Nevertheless, the franchise continues to downplay the possibility of a move.
The Knicks knew there would be an adjustment period transitioning from fired coach Tom Thibodeau to Brown. Towns was expected to face more growing pains than other players because of his comfort level with the previous system.