The New York Knicks have a new plan to relevancy, and it revolves around trading for a possibly disgruntled Karl-Anthony Towns
After striking out on landing the top overall pick (Zion Williamson) in the 2019 NBA Draft and having to settle for the No. 3 selection (R.J. Barrett), and then missing on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in free agency, the New York Knicks were forced to pivot during the 2019 offseason.
Instead of landing a franchise-altering talent, the Knicks were left with a mediocre (at best) roster and, through roughly the first 30 games of the season, currently have the NBA’s second-worst record.
New York appears like it’s destined for another top 3 selection in the 2020 NBA Draft. And while the upcoming draft certainly has its fair share of talent at the top, there’s no consensus generational talent sitting at the top – as was the case this past season with Zion.
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So, as the Knicks continue to rack up the losses, it’s difficult to sell the fans on patience. They did that last year, and look where it has gotten them – right where they left off last season. And the Knicks are never viewed as the patient franchise, so it really never made sense anyway.
This is why it isn’t surprising when reports surface of the team’s new plan, which revolves around trading for a disgruntled star. To make everything come full circle, one player that the Knicks are reportedly keeping a close eye on is Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns is from Jersey, so it isn’t stunning to hear that there could potentially be mutual interest in the future. However, there is one big issue with this entire “plan.” And it’s the fact that KAT just signed a huge contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and is under contract through the 2023-24 season.
Even if Towns wanted out of Minnesota, because of his extended contract, it would be difficult for even him to force the Wolves’ hand.
The good news is that Towns, the player, is having a sensational season. He’s 100 percent the type of player that the Knicks should be targeting. He could also be considered one of the most unlikely players to be moved any time soon.
At 24, Towns is putting together the best statistical season of his career. He’s averaging 26 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 51 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3-point range (on nearly nine attempts per contest).
The New York Knicks are once again at a bit of a crossroad, and they’re going to need some luck to get back on track. Sooner or later, you’d expect, the Knicks are going to find their man – the one that’s going to take this franchise back to the promised land. Although, I have a hard time believing that’s going to be Karl-Anthony Towns.
There are just too many variables working against that idea.