Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns expressed interest in playing for a potential NBA Europe league but deferred on team preferences. While stars like Luka Doncic and Kevin Durant consider ownership, Towns is focusing on his playing career rather than becoming an investor as league expansion discussions continue.
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Despite his often casual demeanor, Karl Anthony-Towns spoke up about his willingness to play in NBA Europe during the All-Star weekend three weeks ago.
"I would consider playing in NBA Europe. Possibly one day to be part of that would be pretty cool," the New York Knicks star told The Athletic.
Questions arose in Europe following the Dominican player's resounding statement.
One key question is whether he has any preferences regarding the teams he would like to play for.
KAT answered that question speaking with BasketNews following the Knicks' 111-95 victory over Toronto on Tuesday.
"I don't even know if it's a thing. It has to be a thing first before I can give a preference. I think the game is great when it's expanding," Towns said.
"I think the NBA is obviously my team. It's one of the best sports in the world and one of the best brands in the world. They've done a great job of amplifying our families and us and our stories, giving us a chance to play the game we love at the highest level," the center added after recording 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists against the Raptors.
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The NBA and NBPA discussions about NBA Europe
NBA Europe is closer to becoming a reality after the EuroLeague announced on Tuesday its willingness to work alongside the NBA.
It was the confirmation of the EuroLeague's expected change of stance following the appointment of Chus Bueno as the new CEO, replacing Paulius Motiejunas.
Bueno also highlighted an openness to establishing a partnership with the NBA in an interview with MARCA.
Despite this important step forward for the NBA, a few uncertainties remain, such as which teams will take part in the new league and who the investors will be.
While investors must decide by the end of March whether to join the project, NBA players have also emerged as potential investors.
Commissioner Adam Silver said during All-Star weekend that the league is in discussions with the Players Association (NBPA) to allow players to invest in NBA Europe franchises, and Celtics star and NBPA Vice President Jaylen Brown said the players are pushing for it.
Karl-Anthony Towns also serves as a Vice President of the NBPA.
"What we talk about in our meetings is what we are talking about in our meetings," KAT said. "All 450+ players in our league are invited to those meetings, and they get to make their voices heard. It's key that our players are always involved in the business of basketball."
The potential role of KAT as an NBA Europe investor
Several NBA stars have voiced interest in investing in NBA Europe teams. Kevin Durant, already a minority stakeholder in PSG, said he is ready to get involved in the process of creating a basketball franchise within the French team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is another star who has expressed interest, admitting he would consider investing. However, the Greek Freak didn't refer to any specific team or city.
Apart from Durant and Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic will reportedly invest in a new basketball team in Rome, per The Athletic.
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Unlike his peers, the Lakers' star refused to comment on the matter when asked during All-Star weekend.
Karl-Anthony Towns seemed to close the door to becoming an NBA Europe investor when asked about it. At least, for now.
"I just want to continue to play basketball. If I can get that, that would be fine with me," the Dominican center said.
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