Knicks predicted to trade Karl-Anthony Towns to Trail Blazers for former No. 1 overall pick

Despite this, the Knicks have shown no intention of trading Towns, but if they get offered the right package, perhaps they could move on from the star center.

With this in mind, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey recently released a mock trade that would send Towns to the Portland Trail Blazers for a former first overall pick.

In the trade, Bailey has New York sending Towns to Portland for Deandre Ayton, Matisse Thybulle and two first-round picks, including the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft.

“And though his (Ayton’s) career has been a little underwhelming for a former No. 1 pick, he's averaged a double-double in every season he's been in the league, is a more mobile defender than Towns and would still be a decent finisher for Brunson,” Bailey wrote. “Getting another rangy wing defender in Matisse Thybulle to join Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, a lottery pick this summer and a future pick swap would be a nice bonus.”

While Ayton would be a downgrade from Towns offensively, he would be a major upgrade on the defensive end while also providing a solid amount on the offensive end.

The Knicks would also acquire another great wing defender in Thybulle and a lottery pick in the upcoming draft to better their roster.

While this trade could work out well for the Knicks, swapping Towns for Ayton, who is on an expiring contract, would be a major risk, and it is likely that Towns will remain in New York next season.