Four-Team NBA Trade Idea Sends Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns Back to Western Conference

Four-Team NBA Trade Idea Sends Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns Back to Western Conference originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The New York Knicks made a blockbuster trade in October, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Knicks parted ways with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to get Towns, who was born in New Jersey. The All-Star big man had a terrific regular season for New York, averaging 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds while making his fifth All-Star team.

The Knicks won 51 games this season. They beat the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2025 playoffs and the Boston Celtics in the second round to advance to the conference finals for the first time since 2000. 

However, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Knicks in the conference finals in six games. Not only did New York lose to Indiana, but Tom Thibodeau was also fired as head coach. 

After the Pacers eliminated the Knicks, James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that New York players and coaches were frustrated with Towns' defensive habits this season.

With that said, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed that the Knicks trade Towns to the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason in a four-team deal that lands them Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. 

The Washington Wizards are the fourth team involved in this trade idea. 

"Dealing Towns for someone more than seven years older while also giving up a swap doesn't sit totally right. But that 2028 pick has already been swapped, so the crux of the damage is done. And the Knicks can view KD's shorter timeline as added long-term flexibility—particularly if he's willing to sign an extension for less than the max," Favale wrote. 

Towns is eligible to sign an extension this offseason that could add another two years to his deal. 

The Kentucky product will make $53.1 million next season

Towns has career averages of 23.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists with the Timberwolves and Knicks. He turns 30 next season. 

Related: Knicks' Potential Pursuit of Mavericks' Jason Kidd Gets Major Update

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.