The New York Knicks are gearing up for another deep playoff run, but looming financial constraints may cause them to reshape their roster.
With both Mikal Bridges and Mitchell Robinson eligible for contract extensions, New York could face significant cap issues by the 2026-27 campaign. To avoid costly second-apron penalties, moving their highest-paid player might be the most viable solution.
Karl-Anthony Towns is set to earn $171.2 million over the next three years if he picks up his player option for the 2027-28 campaign. Similar to how the Boston Celtics offloaded Kristaps Porzingis this summer, the Knicks could look to trade their star center in a cost-cutting maneuver.
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Jackson Caudell of SI.com recently compiled a mock trade that would send Towns to Brooklyn, returning two of New York’s own first-round picks and a young center with upside.
Here’s Caudell’s proposed trade:
Knicks receive: Nic Claxton, 2027 first-round pick (NYK via BKN), 2029 first-round pick (NYK via BKN)
Nets receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, 2030 second-round pick (via ATL)
Hawks receive: Jalen Wilson
While Claxton offers a defensive upgrade over Towns, the latter remains far more versatile offensively. However, Towns’ hefty contract could hinder the Knicks’ ability to retain other key contributors.
The hypothetical deal would send New York two of the first-round picks it gave up in the Bridges trade, along with a more affordable option at center. While the Knicks are currently built to contend in a wide-open Eastern Conference, the long-term financial burden of keeping Towns may prove unsustainable.
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