NBA Blockbuster Mock Trade: Knicks Deal Karl-Anthony Towns to Join Wembanyama, Spurs
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It is the dead-middle of the NBA offseason, so we keep having fun in the best way we know how — mock trades. The Knicks do have a promising roster right now. The team has reached new heights over the last two seasons. Unfortunately for Tom Thibodeaux, the Knicks moved on from him and so with Mike Brown leading the new squad, questions may arise. The biggest question is perhaps whether or not the Knicks will keep the contract of Karl-Anthony Towns on the books?
Fantasy Basketball Impact
In a situation where the Knicks actually traded away Karl-Anthony Towns, his fantasy value itself probably does not take a massive hit. He is a focal piece of the current Knicks offense. Last season, he was the 3rd resulted Center in Fantasy Basketball. If he is traded, expect to be with another team that will make him a focal point of their team.
Trade Details
Spurs Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Knicks Receive: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, 2029 1st Round Pick, 2031 1st Round Swap
Why the Spurs Say Yes
The Spurs are in a situation where they can already win quickly. Between Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper, this team is one piece away for an elite big three. There one weakness I would say is experience. By adding Karl-Anthony Towns, they gain this and open up Victory Wembanyama even further from too much big man attention.
The Spurs also have expiring contracts in both Harrison Barnes and Jeremy Sochan. This trade gets them returns on players that would otherwise be gone for free. They can take on Towns' contract, as so they will.
Why the Knicks Say Yes
The Knicks are paying Karl-Anthony Towns a large sum of money. This is $53 Million this year, to be exact. They may love to keep him, but when a price is so high, you sell your asset. This team lacks many draft picks in the coming years, so they can deal Towns, fill his gap with Sochan and Barnes, and continue to build for the coming seasons.
The last thing the Knicks want to do under new coach Mike Brown is see their window quickly shut. They can either put their eggs in a championship basket, or continue to build up. Remember, this team has massive success without Karl-Anthony Towns.
Recap
This would definitely be a bold trade for the Knicks to accept, but it very well can happen. $53 million is a lot of money. If Mike Brown sees that he can work without Towns, then say goodbye. Ultimately, I would not expect the Knicks to deal their center, but anything is possible, especially in the NBA.
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Thomas Carelli is a sportswriter based on Northern New Jersey. He is a massive New York Jets and Mets fan, but that is not where is sports fandom stops. He loves to watch and play golf, all things football, baseball, and much more. If he can watch it, he will. Thomas graduated from William Paterson University in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management. He spent 4 years working at a local golf course, volunteered past PGA events, and spent some part-time experience with the New York Jets events team. His passions for sport runs deep and his articles show for it.