There is no doubt that Karl-Anthony Towns is a star in the NBA. He has earned All-Star honors on five occasions, is averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds for his career, and is viewed as, arguably, the best shooting big man in NBA history. However, there have always been doubts about whether he is a championship player, and that is a narrative growing among New York Knicks analysts and fans.
The NY Knicks have NBA Finals goals in 2026, especially with the Eastern Conference weaker than usual. However, KAT’s mediocre defense at the rim and questionable effort have made it obvious that he may be the biggest thing holding the team back from being a serious title contender this spring. Following a recent slump, a trade seems as likely as ever.
However, moving a contract with over $171 million left on it won’t be easy. With that in mind, let’s look at five realistic trade ideas for the NY Knicks to replace KAT.
NY Knicks Trade Karl-Anthony Towns to Cavaliers for Evan Mobley
After earning the No. 1 seed in the East last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers have disappointed this season. They own an underwhelming 24-19 record, and similar to the NY Knicks, they could use a major shakeup. Maybe the pair of East teams attempting a blockbuster swap of star big men might benefit them in the second half.
A straight-up trade of Karl-Anthony Towns for Evan Mobley could be an option before the deadline. Towns would give Cleveland the big-time second-scorer they badly need, while Mobley would offer New York more grit and rim protection in the front court.
NY Knicks Trade Karl-Anthony Towns to Bucks for Myles Turner & Kyle Kuzma
The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly are looking to make a big move to keep top star Giannis Antetokounmpo happy. If the Knicks can get the Greek superstar, maybe swapping problematic contracts could benefit both teams.
New York could send KAT to Milwaukee, and in return get a true starting center in Myles Turner, and bench depth with Kyle Kuzma. While Turner’s contract has more years, it comes at half the price of KAT’s for the next two years, and Kuzma’s expiring contract would be easier to trade in the summer.
The combo of KAT and Antetokounmpo could be interesting. For the NY Knicks, a starting five of Turner, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Jalen Brunson, with a bench of Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robinson, and Deuce McBride, is pretty good.
NY Knicks Trade Karl-Anthony Towns to Nets for Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas, and Terance Mann
Recent reports have suggested that the Brooklyn Nets aren’t interested in making a deal for a star player. However, maybe a trade that also gets Nic Claxton’s contract off the books would appeal to them.
Towns would give Brooklyn a legit star to build around for a few seasons. In return, Claxton would bring better defense in the front court, and the Nets would also send talented scorer Cam Thomas (as a rental) and solid bench depth in Terance Mann. While it’s not a sexy trade for NYC, it would mean more depth and defense in the second half.
NY Knicks Trade Karl-Anthony Towns & Landry Shamet to Bulls for Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, & Patrick Williams
The Chicago Bulls need more star power, and they have boat load of expiring contracts. Josh Giddey is a good player, but he is better off as the No. 2 or 3 scorer. Towns would give them a bona fide go-to scorer and an All-Star in the front court for the next few years.
In return, the Knicks would get a reliable and tough center in Nikola Vucevic and a talented scoring guard in Coby White. Landry Shamet and Patrick Williams would need to be included to make the money work. In the short term, the NY Knicks get more depth and toughness. Long term, they get Towns’ contract off the books.
NY Knicks Trade Karl-Anthony Towns to LA Clippers for Ivica Zubac, John Collins, Chris Paul, & Bradley Beal
The Los Angeles Clippers have played much better in recent weeks. However, they still feel one big player away from being a real threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They could feel that Towns is that piece.
In a potential deal, the Knicks would get rough and tough center Ivica Zubac, the veteran guard they reportedly want in Chris Paul, and to make the money work, they would need to take forward John Collins (a good piece for the bench) and Bradley Beal. Beal is out for the season but is owed just $5 million in 2026-27.
