Knicks' Anthony Davis Pursuit Could Mean Karl-Anthony Towns Exit

Well, there are several rumors. The New York Knicks could be on the verge of a major roster shake-up, as in a proposed three-team trade that would bring Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for sending Karl-Anthony Towns to Dallas.

This blockbuster trade idea, originally floated by Bleacher Report, has sparked major debate about whether the Knicks should part ways with Towns, who has been a key offensive force for the team.

Thoughts on This Proposed Anthony Davis Trade

The trade, as outlined, involves the Knicks receiving Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, Brandon Williams, and Dante Exum. The Mavericks would get Karl-Anthony Towns along with Guerschon Yabusele, Tyler Kolek, Pacôme Dadiet, and Ariel Hukporti. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets would absorb Dwight Powell and receive a 2027 second-round pick to facilitate the deal. On paper, the trade is crafted to work for all three teams both financially and competitively.

Could Anthony Davis be traded AGAIN⁉️

Here’s a 3-team trade idea that would SHOCK the NBA: https://t.co/mtAuK6ssc6 pic.twitter.com/bBn4L6Uwya
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 13, 2025

For the Knicks, the central question is whether they prefer Davis or Towns. Towns, who recently helped lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, brings elite offensive spacing with his shooting ability that is crucial for the Knicks’ offense, especially alongside Jalen Brunson.

But Anthony Davis also offers transformative defense. The five-time All-Star is a dominant rim protector and two-way player who could elevate New York’s defense to one of the league’s best. Paired with players like Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Mitchell Robinson, Davis could make the Knicks much tougher inside and on the perimeter.

So, the question arises, who is a better fit for the Knicks?

Injury Concerns Cloud the Deal

Despite the allure of Davis’ defensive prowess, his long history of injuries presents a major hurdle. Davis has played only five games this season due to a left calf strain and ongoing bilateral Achilles tendinopathy.

Past injuries, including missing 18 games last season after arriving in Dallas and an eye injury requiring goggles raise doubts about his durability.

Oct 29, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) exchanges words with Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd as Davis walks off the court during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

This reality makes the trade risky. Giving up the dynamic, healthier Towns for an injury-prone Davis means the Knicks must carefully manage Davis’ minutes.

If Davis remains healthy and impactful, the Knicks gain a defensive upgrade that could propel a deeper playoff run. But if injuries persist, the Knicks risk losing one of their best offensive players without the desired defensive payoff.

Why the Mavericks Might Agree

The Mavericks are undergoing a rebuild after firing GM Nico Harrison and seek a fresh start around young talent like rookie Cooper Flagg. Acquiring Towns gives Dallas a slightly younger, offensively skilled big man to help in the transition.

The Mavericks' disorganization and the absence of a substantial return comparable to Luka Doncic's trade value for Anthony Davis suggest they might accept this deal in order to reset the roster.

Final Analysis and Opinion

While the trade tantalizes Knicks fans with the prospect of elite two-way star Anthony Davis, the injury risk lowers the odds that New York will trade away Karl-Anthony Towns anytime soon. Towns is currently performing at an elite offensive level, and the Knicks have built team chemistry around him.

Trading for Davis could minimize defensive struggles, but durability concerns and the risk of further injury mean the Knicks must weigh carefully. The Knicks likely prefer to keep KAT as a reliable offensive cornerstone and maintain roster stability, especially with Jalen Brunson’s injury uncertain.

In conclusion, the Davis pursuit is intriguing but unlikely to come at the cost of Towns. The Knicks’ best bet is to build around Towns’ next-level offense while addressing their defensive issues through coaching adjustments and supporting players rather than risking the health gamble of Davis.

This proposed trade would reshape the Knicks and Mavericks, but it feels more like a rumor than an imminent move. The Knicks can keep excelling offensively with Karl-Anthony Towns while searching for healthier ways to bolster their defense.

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