Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Even with the NBA season heading into the second half of the year, it’s never too early to look ahead to the offseason and what moves could be coming down the line. Oftentimes, we see a continuation of the rumors that went on during the season, with teams more willing to make changes to rosters.

One of the bigger storylines to watch for this offseason is what the New York Knicks do with star center Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns has been discussed in different trade rumors since last summer, and this could be a strong time for New York to move him.

Unlike many of the other players in the core of the Knicks, Towns tends to struggle defensively, and it has hurt the team at times. The veteran is also having the worst statistical season since his rookie year in the league.

If Towns is placed on the trade block, there will be multiple teams interested in landing him. But the one hangup could be his contract, as Towns is scheduled to make $57 million next year, and then he has a player option for $61 million in 2027-28.

Karl-Anthony Towns 2025-26 Stats

Overall, Towns has averaged 19.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest, playing in 51 games so far. In comparison, the multi-time All-Star averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game last season, playing in 72 contests for New York.

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Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte has been one of the hottest teams across the NBA of late, and this could see the front office try to add more in the offseason. A quadruplet of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and Towns would be tough to defend.

Putting Towns on this Hornets roster could be fun to see play out, and this may see them finally get into a place of real contention. Towns would bring more legitimacy to this young team, and Charlotte could become a power in the Eastern Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers

For the Lakers, this would be a way to place a second star next to guard Luka Doncic going forward. While the team does have Austin Reaves, Los Angeles does need more of a frontcourt guy to pair with Doncic long-term.

Towns has been linked to the Lakers in the past, and we could see the two sides look to make some sort of move. Los Angeles will have real cap space to work with this summer, so they could always absorb his large contract to get a deal done.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland is in an interesting spot because they aren’t seen as a top contender, but also aren’t a bottom team in the Western Conference. This franchise feels like they are one star player away from fully taking off, and maybe Towns could be that guy for them.

Pairing Towns with some of the younger guys on the Trail Blazers, such as Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, and others, could see Portland take a step forward. New York would likely try to include a third team in a deal with Portland, but the fit of Towns with the Trail Blazers could work well.

Milwaukee Bucks

Heading into the offseason, the Knicks will be linked to Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Towns could be moved in a potential deal. For Milwaukee, if they do end up trading Antetokounmpo, landing Towns in return could be one of the stronger packages to get back.

While Towns does have real concerns on the defensive end of the floor, he remains an All-Star-level talent who could spearhead the Bucks’ rebuild. Overall, this wouldn’t be the worst situation for Milwaukee, and until the Antetokounmpo rumors are gone, Towns to the Bucks isn’t going away anytime soon.

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