Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns’ tenure with the New York Knicks is becoming a hot topic of discussion. The veteran big man has become a conduit of frustration in recent weeks, especially as the Knicks have fallen to a 2-8 record over their last 10 games.
New York came into the season with high expectations on its shoulders. Led by Mike Brown’s movement-heavy system, the Knicks were expected to challenge for a spot in the NBA Finals. As such, the front office may feel that now is the right time to shake things up, and that could mean Towns emerges as a trade chip.
One deal that could make sense is reuniting Brown with Domantas Sabonis. The duo worked together during Brown’s time with the Sacramento Kings. A potential trade could look like this:
Knicks Get: Sabonis, Dario Saric and Keon Ellis
Kings Get: Karl-Anthony Towns and Pacome Dadiet
The Knicks currently have 14 players under contract. As such, they could absorb a 3-for-2 deal with the Kings without the need to waive anyone. Adding Ellis would be an intriguing sweetener for New York, and he is already a known commodity for Brown.
Why Sabonis Could Make Sense For The Kings
Sabonis and Towns both have the same flaw: defense. Neither of them is going to anchor a team’s rearguard production, although Sabonis is arguably a better defender. However, unlike Towns, Sabonis can operate as a playmaking hub on offense.
By running more action through Sabonis, the Knicks would move closer to unlocking the movement-heavy system that Brown covets. Jalen Brunson would form part of a deal pick-and-roll duo with Sabonis, and the early offense actions could make sense.
New York would undoubtedly be downgrading in terms of sheer offensive talent, but in truth, any deal that sends Towns out of New York would mean accepting that reality. Still, what Sabonis lacks in elite three-level scoring, he makes up for in playmaking and fit within the system.
It’s worth remembering that for two of his three seasons playing under Brown, Sabonis finished in the top-10 of MVP voting and has made an All-NBA Team.
Why The Knicks Wouldn’t Trade Towns
For all of the frustration regarding Towns’ current role within the Knicks’ offense, he is still one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. When he’s on the court, he provides a level of spacing that’s hard to replicate.
For that reason, the front office may explore ways to rectify his fit, rather than replace him. After all, making smaller trades, potentially to add another front-court defender, is far easier than swinging a mammoth deal that replaces a core member of the starting unit.
Furthermore, there’s no guarantee the Kings would be willing to play ball. Sacramento looks like a team heading toward a rebuild. Any trade involving Towns is unlikely to see the Knicks including draft capital on top.
With that in mind, Scott Perry may opt to see how Sabonis’ trade market shapes up, both at the trade deadline and in the summer. And if that’s the case, New York may need to look elsewhere if they truly want to make a change in the week ahead.