Knicks may need to find third team to land center target

Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns drives with the ball Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks might need to find third team in order to land primary big man target

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 1/4/24

The New York Knicks are rumored to be interested in Karl-Anthony Towns. He has been linked with a move to the Big Apple on multiple occasions throughout his career. According to Matt Moore of The Action Network, though, the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't interested in a deal centered around Julius Randle. As such, the Knicks would need to find a third team to help facilitate a deal.

"The Wolves are largely uninterested in Julius Randle, who would have to be at the centerpiece of any Knicks offer for Towns. With that being the case, league insiders have suggested the Knicks will have to canvass for a third team to take on Randle in exchange for players the Wolves would want to add, and that further complicates a trade."

The Knicks made a big move. They think they have enough for another. I looked at whether KAT could be that move, the chances of the Wolves going that direction, and more. https://t.co/klX0vFQCNU
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) January 4, 2024

Towns would be an ideal addition for the Knicks. He would bring size, three-level scoring, rebounding and rim protection. He could slot into a double-big lineup next to Mitchell Robinson or operate as the lone big alongside Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby.

However, finding a third team to be part of a trade that would be willing to give up significant parts of their rotation while also getting players back in return feels like a monumental task for the Knicks. Minnesota won't want to lose Towns on the cheap and they're unlikely to value draft picks due to currently moving into a contention timeline.

Still, when an opportunity to acquire an All-Star big man who averages 22.9 points, 11 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 52.5% shooting from the field and 39.5% from three-point range becomes available, you do everything possible to get a deal over the line. It also helps that Towns is represented by CAA, an agency the Knicks have long and deep ties with.

For now, though, Towns will remain a dream target, with a trade seemingly unlikely to materialize before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

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