Knicks Predicted to Trade Karl-Anthony Towns to Jazz in Offseason Blockbuster to Bolster Depth

The New York Knicks, coming off a successful season reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, fired head coach Tom Thibodeau and replaced him with Mike Brown. To address bench weaknesses, they signed free agents Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.

Seeking further bench upgrades, Sports Illustrated's Rohan Raman proposed a mock three-team trade. In this scenario, the Knicks would trade Karl-Anthony Towns, Pacome Dadiet, and three first-round picks to the Utah Jazz. In return, the Knicks would acquire Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Keyonte George from the Jazz. The Atlanta Hawks, as the third team, would acquire Tyler Kolek from the Knicks.

While moving on from Towns and the draft picks would be tough, the trade is presented as potentially solid for the Knicks. Markkanen would add scoring, defense, and size to the starting lineup alongside Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. Kessler, a young center previously linked to New York, would significantly boost their frontcourt defense. George would provide scoring and playmaking depth off the bench behind Brunson.

However, the trade would require the Knicks to give up substantial assets. Furthermore, the Jazz, who would be parting with three key players (Markkanen, Kessler, George), might demand even more in return.