NBA Exec ‘Wouldn’t Be Surprised’ If Karl-Anthony Towns Played Big Role In Knicks’ Firing Of Tom Thibodeau

The New York Knicks made the conference finals this year for the first time since 2000. Yes, they lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games, but it was still a terrific season for the Knicks. 

New York beat the Detroit Pistons and the defending champion Boston Celtics to make the conference finals. The team played hard every single night under head coach Tom Thibodeau, a two-time Coach of the Year. 

The smart and safe play would have been to run it back. However, the Knicks stunningly fired Thibodeau on Tuesday and one NBA exec told Hoops Wire that he wouldn’t be surprised if Karl-Anthony Towns played a big role in the major move. 

“Who was on the Timberwolves when Thibs got fired in 2019? Who is KAT’s former agent (Leon Rose, who is now the president of the Knicks)? I wouldn’t be surprised at all if KAT told Leon and (James) Dolan during his exit interview that he didn’t want to play for Thibs anymore,” the NBA exec told Hoops Wire.

“Leon always listens to his players. That’s why he was beloved as an agent by all of his clients. Look, I don’t know this for sure, but if I were a betting man, I would bet a lot of money that KAT told Leon and Dolan that he didn’t want to play for Thibs anymore.

“They don’t have a good relationship. Thibs likes guys who defend at a high level and take accountability on that end. KAT has never done that. He doesn’t want to. He wants to save his energy for offense.”

According to James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic, Knicks players and coaches were frustrated with Towns’ defensive habits this season. 

New York acquired Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves before the season started. 

In his first season with the Knicks, Towns averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 52.6% from the field, 42.0% from beyond the arc and 82.9% from the free-throw line. 

A five-time All-Star, Towns will make $53,142,264 next season and $57,078,728 in 2026-27. He has a player option worth $61,015,192 for the 2027-28 season.

Towns is eligible to sign an extension this offseason that could add another two years to his deal.