Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, Knicks
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Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks reacts during game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
After the New York Knicks held off the Philadelphia 76ers for a 112–109 win on Saturday, questions surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns’ long-term place in New York resurfaced, fueled by both on-court struggles and renewed trade speculation.
Towns, limited by foul trouble before fouling out late, watched from the bench as the Knicks leaned on defense and survived a late rally. Two nights later, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that rival teams believe the All-Star center may not be as untouchable as previously assumed.
Knicks’ Rivals Believe Towns ‘In Play’ to Some Degree
In his Monday edition of The Stein Line, Stein wrote that while Knicks officials have publicly tried to tamp down trade speculation, skepticism persists around the league.
“Behind the scenes, Knicks officials have tried to downplay any notion that Karl-Anthony Towns could be traded during the season amid New York’s (and Towns’) January struggles,” Stein wrote. “However … a belief persists among some rival teams that Towns is in play to some degree. Or that the Knicks, at the very least, have tried to get a sense of what his market would be.”
Stein emphasized that perception, not confirmation, is driving the chatter — a distinction that has become increasingly common as the trade deadline approaches.
Foul Trouble Looms Large in Win Over 76ers
The timing of the report coincided with another uneven outing from Towns.
Despite New York building a 17-point lead while Towns was limited by fouls, that cushion shrank to six once he returned. After Towns fouled out with 5:24 remaining, the Knicks steadied themselves behind the defensive presence of Mitchell Robinson, ultimately closing out the victory.
Towns’ tendency to commit unnecessary fouls has followed him throughout his career, but the issue has drawn sharper scrutiny in an unforgiving New York market.
Josh Hart: ‘He Has to Be Smarter’
Knicks guard Josh Hart recently addressed Towns’ foul issues following a road loss to Golden State.
“I don’t know. That’s more of something that you have to figure out individually,” Hart said, per the New York Daily News. “Me telling him to not foul seems a little redundant. He has to be smarter in terms of defensively showing his hands, just being more solid. And I think that’s what it is — being solid, more fundamentally sound. And at times, laying off the officials.”
In January, Towns is averaging a season-high 3.9 fouls per game, while his scoring has dipped to 16.6 points as his minutes have dropped to 28.8 per game.
Knicks Committed to Towns, per Sam Amick
Despite the mounting questions, the Knicks’ leadership has consistently projected confidence in Towns.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, New York has not engaged in trade discussions involving Towns and intends to remain patient.
“According to league and team sources, 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 wrote Friday. “That intel is consistent with what [James] Dolan said in his interview, when he insisted that ‘This group can win a championship; I believe that.’”
Leon Rose Connection, Contract Size Shape Knicks’ Stance
One factor reinforcing New York’s commitment is the deep personal and professional connection at the top of the organization.
Knicks president Leon Rose previously represented Towns during his tenure at Creative Artists Agency, a relationship Amick noted played a central role in bringing Towns from Minnesota to New York.
Financial considerations also loom large. Towns is owed $57 million next season and holds a $61 million player option for the 2027–28 season, a commitment that signals belief in him as a foundational piece rather than a short-term trade asset.
Stein Skeptical of In-Season Blockbuster
Even with rival teams circling, Stein expressed doubt that New York would make a drastic in-season move.
“Now would the Knicks, when it actually comes down to it, be willing to surrender Towns in any trade that doesn’t involve acquiring Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo?” Stein wrote. “Would James Dolan and Leon Rose (Towns’ former agent) really sanction any drastic in-season shakeup and possibly make their team smaller by parting with Towns mid-stream?
“The next 10 days will tell us for sure.”