An NBA trade idea sending Karl-Anthony Towns from the New York Knicks to the Milwaukee Bucks has been created.
NBA writer Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Knicks, Bucks and Brooklyn Nets:
New York Knicks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Danny Wolf, 2026 first-round swap (NYK), 2028 first-round swap (worst of NYK and BKN), 2030 first-round swap (NYK)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Josh Hart, 2026 second-round pick (MIL via NYK), 2026 second-round pick (MIN via NYK)
Hughes created this trade idea after NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo is still evaluating his future with the Bucks, who have won just one playoff series since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns.
“As we sit here on August 4, sources tell me there is nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to stay in Milwaukee or whether he wants to leave elsewhere,” Charania said. “He’s been evaluating his future this entire offseason. I reported way back in mid-May that he’s open-minded about whether his best fit is in Milwaukee or is it a trade elsewhere.”
The Knicks are monitoring Antetokounmpo’s situation with the Bucks “very closely,” according to NBA reporter James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. If Antetokounmpo requests a trade, New York will likely pursue the NBA superstar very hard.
“It is my understanding that Leon Rose and company have been monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee very closely, even before the offseason started,” Edwards III wrote. “Many around the league believe the Knicks are interested in star hunting, and while that opportunity hasn’t popped up yet, I certainly believe it’s in the cards if the right situation presents itself.”
In his first season with the Knicks, Towns averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 52.6% from the field, 42.0% from beyond the arc and 82.9% from the free-throw line.
A five-time All-Star, Towns will make $53.1 million next season and $57.1 million in 2026-27. He has a player option worth $61.1 million for the 2027-28 season. Towns is eligible to sign an extension this offseason that could add another two years to his deal.
The Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals in six games, while the Bucks lost to the Pacers in the first round in five games.