Knicks' blockbuster trade proposal nets $196 million forward for star big man

The New York Knicks, aiming for another deep playoff run after losing in the Eastern Conference finals to the Indiana Pacers, are building depth this offseason. Despite already acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges and being positioned for success with Jalen Brunson, they are still exploring potential blockbuster trades.

A specific three-team trade proposal compiled by Rohan Raman of SI.com is detailed. In this scenario: the Knicks would receive Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz; the Jazz would receive Karl-Anthony Towns, Pacome Dadiet, a 2026 first-round pick, and first-round pick swaps in 2030 and 2032 from the Knicks; and the Atlanta Hawks would receive Tyler Kolek from the Knicks, while also needing to include a low-cost player like Vit Krejci or Mouhamed Gueye to facilitate the deal.

Markkanen, a central figure in the proposed trade who has been subject to trade speculation, would join a contending team in New York. The 7-foot forward averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in 31.4 minutes per game across 47 regular-season appearances during the 2024-25 campaign.