The New York Knicks are at a critical juncture with their power forward position. As Julius Randle approaches the final year of his contract, there’s uncertainty about whether he will re-sign. This has fueled speculation about the Knicks pursuing top power forwards in the league. One name that consistently emerges in Knicks rumors is Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns.
Knicks Continue To Be Linked To All-Star New York Native
The Knicks have long been linked to Towns, a player who has been a focal point of trade rumors due to his potential fit with New York. According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, Towns is a player the Knicks could target if Randle doesn’t return.
“The New York Knicks are loaded with talent at every position, save for center. The combination of Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa is OK, although the former has only topped 59 games once in his past four seasons,” Swartz writes. “Towns has been a long-rumored target of Leon Rose and the Knicks and was born about an hour away from Madison Square Garden.”
Swartz notes that the Knicks are well-stocked at most positions except center, where Robinson and Achiuwa currently hold the fort. Towns, a player touted as the “greatest shooting big man ever,” could offer the Knicks the versatility they need. He has experience playing both power forward and center, making him an attractive option for a team looking to maintain flexibility in their lineup.
Towns’s connection to New York goes beyond just basketball. He was born about an hour away from Madison Square Garden, and playing for his hometown team would be a significant opportunity for him. Joining the Knicks could be the perfect scenario for solidifying his legacy, particularly if he helps the team succeed. It’s an opportunity to be embraced by his hometown fans and prove his worth on one of the biggest stages in the league.
A Realistic Outlook To Acquiring Karl Anthony-Towns
However, acquiring Towns would not be straightforward. He has been with the Timberwolves for nearly a decade. The team is finally seeing some success with him in the lineup. Anthony Edwards may be the franchise’s centerpiece, but Towns remains crucial to Minnesota’s success. The Timberwolves’ recent run to the Western Conference Finals, their first in 20 years, underscores Towns’s importance to the team. Losing him would be a significant blow, making any trade involving Towns a complex negotiation.
The Knicks, on the other hand, value Randle highly. His impending free agency complicates matters. The team must weigh the risks of losing him for nothing against the potential benefits of acquiring a player like Towns. If Randle does not re-sign, the Knicks must find a suitable replacement. Towns fits the profile of a player who could fill that void. His ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions would give the Knicks more options. A lineup that could include Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Towns is certainly enticing.
Moreover, the Knicks tend to build their team around sentimental and familial connections. This is evidenced by their efforts to re-form the “Nova” team. This approach suggests that the Knicks are not just looking for talent. They are interested in players who are deeply committed to the team’s success. Towns, with his roots in the New York area, would fit this mold perfectly. He would likely jump at the opportunity to play for his hometown team.
The Last Word
While a trade for Towns is far from guaranteed, he represents the type of player the Knicks would consider if Randle leaves. His shooting, versatility, and local ties make him an intriguing option. This is a team looking to take the next step toward championship contention. Whether or not the trade materializes, Towns’s name will likely continue to be linked with the Knicks. At the very least, as long as there is uncertainty around Randle’s future in New York.
