New York Knicks Plans For Karl-Anthony Towns Revealed In New Report

Amid swirling trade rumors, the New York Knicks have reportedly decided to stand by Karl-Anthony Towns, reaffirming their commitment to the five-time All-Star as a cornerstone of their roster. Despite recent struggles and speculation about potential moves, multiple reports indicate that the Knicks are not actively shopping Towns ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.

New York Knicks’ Stance on Karl-Anthony Towns

According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Knicks have not engaged in trade discussions involving Towns this season and remain committed to persevering with him through the team’s current challenges. “The Knicks have not engaged in any discussions about a possible Towns trade this season and plan on persevering with him during this challenging time,” Amick reported. This aligns with comments from team owner James Dolan, who recently expressed confidence in the current roster’s championship potential.

SNY’s Ian Begley echoed this sentiment, stating that as of earlier this week, the Knicks were not having conversations about moving Towns. “Everything that I gathered is the Knicks are not having conversations about trading Karl-Anthony Towns,” Begley said on The Putback. He added that the team’s stance could change only if they endure another extended collapse before the trade deadline.

How the Trade Rumors Began

Speculation about Towns’ future gained traction following the Knicks’ 114-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on January 15, a game in which the team was booed off the court by its home fans. Reports suggested that Towns’ name had surfaced in league conversations, with teams like the Hornets, Grizzlies, and Magic reportedly expressing interest.

The rumors were further fueled by Towns’ visible struggles to adapt to head coach Mike Brown’s system. Over a recent 2-8 stretch, Towns averaged 17.9 points on 43.7% shooting, well below his career averages. His production during this period stood in stark contrast to his stellar 2024-25 campaign, when he averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds while shooting 52.6% from the field.

Why the Knicks Are Standing Pat

One key factor in the Knicks’ decision to retain Towns is the strong relationship between team president Leon Rose and the star center. Rose, who previously represented Towns as an agent, played a pivotal role in bringing him to New York from Minnesota. Additionally, Towns’ significant financial commitment—he is owed $57 million next season and holds a $61 million player option for 2027-28—underscores the organization’s belief in him as a foundational piece.

The Knicks are also wary of making a panic move that could disrupt the team’s long-term plans. While Towns’ recent struggles have drawn criticism, the organization appears confident that he can regain his form and help the team achieve its goals.

What’s Next for the Knicks?

As the trade deadline approaches, the Knicks are expected to explore other ways to improve their roster without parting with Towns. Reports suggest that the team has shown interest in players like Jose Alvarado and Yves Missi from the New Orleans Pelicans, as well as potential moves involving Guerschon Yabusele.

For now, the Knicks are betting on stability and continuity, trusting that Towns and the current roster can overcome their recent struggles and make a strong push in the second half of the season.