Knicks Trade Pitch Swaps Karl-Anthony Towns for Big Haul

The New York Knicks have been highly active in recent trade markets, acquiring key players like Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and later Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, signaling a strong push toward championship contention under President Leon Rose.

A speculative trade proposal from Sports Illustrated suggests the Knicks could trade Karl-Anthony Towns to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2031 first-round pick swap.

The rationale for the Knicks includes managing luxury tax constraints, as the team has committed over $500 million to its core players. Trading Towns would provide financial flexibility, add three role players, and replenish draft assets, helping the team build sustainably without sacrificing competitiveness.

For the Spurs, acquiring Towns would pair him with Victor Wembanyama, potentially masking Towns' defensive weaknesses while adding experience and scoring. The trade would also allow San Antonio to utilize expiring contracts like Barnes and Sochan to acquire a proven star rather than losing them for nothing.

Towns' defensive limitations were highlighted as a significant issue during the Knicks' playoff loss to the Pacers, with the team allowing 50.2 points in the paint during the 2024-25 season. This has led to concerns that similar problems may persist unless addressed.