Knicks 'not pursuing' trade for All-Star center

"According to league sources who have talked business with them, the Wolves have set a sky-high price on Towns, too," Katz wrote. "And according to another league source, in spite of what the constant speculation may tell you, the Knicks have not expressed any interest in trading for Towns. They are waiting. Patiently. For the right fit."

Towns is an elite big man. During his eight-year tenure in the NBA, Towns is a 39.5 percent shooter from three-point range, making him one of the better floor-spacing centers in the league. Despite a slight dip in rebounding since the Timberwolves acquired Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz, Towns is also averaging 11.2 rebounds per game - 8.2 of them defensive - for his career. 

Those types of defensive-rebounding numbers highlight the impact he can have when protecting the defensive glass.

New York currently has Mitchell Robinson as their primary center. Robinson, 25, has outperformed his status as a second-round draft pick. However, he's not on the level of Towns. Should the Knicks decide to upgrade the middle of the court, Towns would be an ideal fit and would ensure additional space for Jalen Brunson and Immanuel Quickley to work when pressuring the rim. 

Minnesota paid over the odds to acquire Gobert. As such, they would want to recoup as many future assets as possible if they were to trade Towns. New York should be willing to pay a premium for one of the best big men in the NBA. He might not be the genuine superstar the Knicks front office is holding out for, but Towns is the type of player that would catapult New York into a peripheral contender. 

The deal makes sense for both sides. Unfortunately, the Knicks' desire to land a top-20 player will likely scupper their chances of bringing in a player who could legitimately transform their playing style and chances of success.