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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks holds his left hand as he reacts to pain after injuring it against Lauri Markkanen during the second half of their game at the Delta Center on January 8, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks had a chance to make a big move before the Washington Wizards shockingly acquired Anthony Davis today via trade. Washington sent a handful of expendable players and two first round draft picks to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Davis. The goal is to see the All-Star duo of Trae Young and Davis lead the otherwise young roster back to relevance next season.
However, Washington apparently wanted Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns before settling on Davis, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report:
“I’d also heard that the Wizards have not reported this anywhere yet or written this anywhere yet. I’d also heard the Wizards called New York in a similar capacity about this type of framework for Karl-Anthony Towns.”
The Knicks had a chance to move Towns for the role players and two valuable draft picks. New York has a clear goal of contending for an NBA Championship this season to see them passing on deals that could hurt the short-term success in favor of future assets. The best path for the Knicks with this offer would have been to use the draft picks in a three-team deal.
Could Knicks Have Acquired Anthony Davis?
One interesting point from Fischer’s report is that Washington valued Towns slightly over Davis to reach out to New York first. Theoretically, the Knicks could have helped facilitate a three-team trade that would not have changed anything for Washington since the Mavericks liked trade package enough to do the deal.
New York could have then asked the Wizards to send Davis to them in exchange for Towns as a one for one swap on their end. However, the constant injury concerns for Davis are a lingering issue to make him a risky play. Teams like Washington feel more comfortable taking the chance since they haven’t had star talent in many years.
The Knicks felt that Towns was more valuable than Davis or the future assets to avoid making any moves with the Wizards. It remains interesting that Washington viewed KAT as a good fit for their team during a lackluster season. Young and Towns running a pick and roll could have helped a deadly offense.
Does KAT Have Similar Trade Value?
New York has reportedly been frustrated with Towns due to his inconsistent play over the past few months. Towns made the All-Star Team in the weaker Eastern Conference, but his numbers and overall contributions have decreased from last season.
The Knicks might still shop Towns at the trade deadline since he does hold value around the league. Davis’ trade package wasn’t phenomenal for a consistent All-Star, but it could easily be used in a three-team deal to add another star in an unhappy situation.
New York has options with Towns and Mikal Bridges to improve the roster either now or during the offseason. A reported desire to roll with the current roster in the playoffs to trust their chemistry will see that core making the NBA Finals or falling short. Change could come, and Towns has at least two first round picks associated with his trade value.