**Knicks Eye Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns for Potential Trade**
The New York Knicks are contemplating another significant move this offseason, potentially targeting Minnesota Timberwolves’ star forward Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks have already been active, trading five first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges and extending OG Anunoby with a $40 million per season deal.
**Contract Considerations and Financial Strategy**
The Knicks still need to address contracts for Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle if they aim to secure them long-term. Currently, they have some financial flexibility. However, CP The Franchise of Knicks Fan TV reports that they are considering acquiring Towns.
**Karl-Anthony Towns: A Costly Prospect**
Towns, coming off a strong season with Minnesota, has a hefty contract that could strain the Knicks’ finances. The 28-year-old is entering a four-year, $220.4 million deal with a $49.2 million cap hit next season. To manage this, the Knicks would need to offload current players and possibly reach the second salary apron of $189.5 million. Even trading Mitchell Robinson would still leave them needing to move Randle to create enough cap space.
**Towns’ Impact and Fit with the Knicks**
Minnesota may struggle to keep Towns due to financial constraints, making him a potential target for the Knicks. Last season, Towns averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and three assists, with shooting percentages of .504 from the field and .416 from three-point range. While his regular season performance was strong, his playoff performance was inconsistent.
**Assessing Alternative Options**
Acquiring Towns would be a bold move for the Knicks, adding another high-scoring, rebounding forward. However, the Knicks already have ample scoring options, and Towns’ high shot attempts might be excessive. Instead, the Knicks have been linked to Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz, a center known for rebounding and shot-blocking.
**Strategic Decisions Ahead**
Maintaining their current roster and complementing Robinson seems more prudent than taking on Towns’ contract, which would pay him $61 million in the 2027-28 season when he’s 32 years old. This acquisition could be more detrimental than beneficial to their playoff aspirations.
