NBA Rumors: The Joel Embiid noise aside, the New York Knicks’ most likely trade target this season may be a bit surprising.
Heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, the New York Knicks are keeping a close eye on the trade market. They appear to be a star trade away from being a possible Eastern Conference contender and are carefully waiting for their opportunity to pounce.
Over the last couple of months, the noise surrounding a possible Joel Embiid trade to the Knicks has grown. However, it’s much more complicated than the Knicks’ interest in the big man. At least for now, it doesn’t appear as if Embiid is going to demand a trade anytime soon and it would make little sense for the Sixers to trade him now anyway.
Maybe there is another star player the Knicks could make a move for?
According to NBA insider Frank Isola, who is plugged into the New York scene, the most likely trade target for the Knicks this season isn’t Embiid. Instead, Isola believes it could be Karl-Anthony Towns. Of note, this isn’t the first time the Knicks have been linked to KAT recently.
Why Karl-Anthony Towns could be an intriguing trade target
While there would be some natural pushback from the fan base when it comes to the idea of trading for Karl-Anthony Towns, I also believe there should be another segment of the fan base that would be excited.
From a basketball standpoint, there’s an argument to be made that KAT would be a great fit for this team. In its simplest form, KAT is essentially a big step up from Julius Randle. He’s Randle on steroids.
He does everything Randle can do, and then some, more efficiently and consistently. The Knicks would be a good spot for him considering he’ll be around a talented young core, that fits with his timeline, and the fact that he doesn’t have to be the No. 1 option with Jalen Brunson playing the lead role.
Getting a fresh start can’t be understated either. KAT has gotten the short end of the stick over the last few seasons. Even though he hasn’t done much to quiet the naysayers, especially in terms of helping the Minnesota Timberwolves win many games, he’s still one of the most talented big men in the league.
KAT getting a clean slate playing for a Knicks team that is a star away from entering the championship contention conversation in the Eastern Conference could be a very interesting experience.
Whether or not it actually happens remains to be seen. For one, the Wolves have to be willing to trade KAT. And two, the Knicks have to be willing to give up some significant assets to make a deal happen. We shall see. To say it wouldn’t be intriguing, though, would be a mistake.