Why the New York Knicks Could Trade 5x All-Star Superstar and How it Affects the Team's Championship Odds
The
New York Knicks
are heading into the 2025-26 NBA season with high expectations after making the Eastern Conference Finals last year. However, the team's recent contract stance on
Karl-Anthony Towns
has made him the talk of the hour with a major trade could be on the horizon.
New York Knicks Keep Trade Flexibility on Towns
Despite Towns' strong first season in New York, the New York Knicks have decided against offering the 5-time All-Star a new contract extension this offseason. According to FanSided's Josh Cornelissen, this decision is intentional.
'The New York Knicks have not offered Karl-Anthony Towns a new contract extension,' Cornelissen wrote Tuesday. 'The reason why? They want to be able to trade their star big man at any time.'
This approach signals that the front office is keeping its options open for a potential roster shake-up, even as the franchise positions itself for a championship run.
How Karl-Anthony Towns Performed in His First Knicks Season
Mikal Bridges extension set up to TRADE? 👀 + Evaluating the Spurs' TRIO 🔥 | The Hoop Collective
In his debut season with the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns delivered some of the best numbers of his career, showing both scoring efficiency and dominance on the glass.
Season
Points
Rebounds
Assists
True Shooting %
Games Played
2024-25
24.4
12.8
3.1
63.0%
72
These stats reflect a highly productive year, making the decision not to extend him even more surprising to fans.
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by Taboola
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Contrast With Mikal Bridges' Extension
While Towns awaits clarity on his long-term future, teammate Mikal Bridges secured a major commitment from the organization. On July 31, Bridges signed a 4-year, $150 million extension, locking him in as part of the Knicks' core for the foreseeable future.
This contrast raises questions about where Towns fits into the team's long-term plans.
Possible Reasons Behind the New York Knicks' Decision
Several factors could explain New York's hesitation to commit to Towns right now:
• Salary Cap Flexibility: Towns' current deal already carries a massive financial commitment, and extending him could limit future roster moves.
• Trade Leverage: Without a new extension, the Knicks can move Towns without worrying about potential trade restrictions.
• Roster Construction: The front office may be exploring different combinations to maximize their championship window.
• Recent History: The Knicks have been active in blockbuster trades in recent years and may keep Towns as a key trade chip.
Also read:
NBA Trade News: Denver Nuggets Sign $578,577 Dallas Mavericks Rookie to Bolster Wing Depth and Improve Championship Odds
While trading Karl-Anthony Towns remains unlikely in the immediate future, the Knicks' history suggests they won't hesitate if the right opportunity arises. For now, Towns will look to build on his impressive first season in New York, but the lack of an extension keeps his long-term status with the franchise in question.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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