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NBA Free Agency: Karl-Anthony Towns Channels Roots Teaming Up With Dominican Republic Teammate, According To Agent
Knicks: Tom Thibodeau Shares Honest Opinions About Team's 2024 Draft Pick 1 Dec 25, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) argues with an official in the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns and his future with the team were the topic of discussion among one NBA insider, citing potential partnerships overseas during the offseason.

In a recent statement by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the insider revealed one turn of events that could dispel all trade rumors that ahs been surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns after a rather mediocre 2024-2025 season.

Al Horford is a free agent,” Bontemps said. “I don’t think at this point it makes a lot of sense for Horford to be back in Boston. Maybe he will be, but given where things are with the Celtics, I think he’s now much more in play than he might have been a month ago.”

“Al Horford is a longtime friend of Karl-Anthony Towns and has played with him with the Dominican national team for a long time. If they go get Al Horford this summer, I think he would be an unbelievable fit on this Knicks roster. … That’s a team that could beat the Pacers next year. That’s a team that’ll be in the mix in the East.”

Should The Knicks Trade Karl-Anthony Towns? Analyst Weighs

In his recent podcast episode, analyst Kevin O’Connor expressed his belief that the New York Knicks should seriously consider trading Karl-Anthony Towns this offseason to improve their roster. While Towns is not solely to blame for the Knicks’ struggles, O’Connor argued that moving him could yield the greatest return for the team.


New York Knicks Urged to Consider Signing 39-Year-Old Free Agent This Offseason 4 May 31, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the third quarter during game six of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

He pointed out that the Knicks are unlikely to trade Jalen Brunson, meaning Towns is their most valuable trade piece. O’Connor suggested that if the Knicks could acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo without sacrificing too much depth, they should explore the possibility. However, he acknowledged that such a trade would be difficult to pull off.

O’Connor also highlighted Towns’ defensive limitations, particularly when playing at the center position. He noted that the Knicks struggled against the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs due to their speed and athleticism, which exposed Towns’ weaknesses. This forced head coach Tom Thibodeau to adjust the lineup, opting for Mitchell Robinson instead.


NBA News: New York Knicks Could Trade For Kevin Durant This Summer, Insider Predicts 3 Dec 9, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and forward OG Anunoby (8) react after a three point basket by center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) to clinch a win over the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

While Towns and Brunson performed better when staggered in the rotation, O’Connor questions whether the Knicks can truly compete for a championship with their current lineup. He suggests that trading Towns for Kevin Durant could be a viable option, as Durant would provide an upgrade in scoring and experience.

While Towns remains a talented player, his fit within the Knicks’ system is uncertain, making a trade a realistic possibility. Karl-Anthony Towns’ future with the Knicks will be a key storyline as the offseason unfolds.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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