The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers could emerge as potential destinations for Karl-Anthony Towns if the New York Knicks center does not sign a contract extension with his current team, according to an anonymous NBA executive quoted by the New York Post.
“Only a few possible suitors stand out to me right now in terms of cap space teams and fit. Chicago and the Clippers have the cleanest path,” the executive said. “The Nets can get there with the money, but that’s not a good fit. Golden State and Dallas could get around [$50 million] in space with more tinkering.”
The comments add another layer to the uncertainty surrounding Towns’ long-term future in New York. The 30-year-old is eligible for a four-year, $276 million extension and holds a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Towns averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 75 regular-season games in 2025-26, helping the Knicks win their first NBA championship since 1973.
New York has not ruled out keeping Towns. ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently outlined a financial pathway for the Knicks to extend both Towns and Josh Hart while remaining below the second luxury tax apron. However, the organization has paused extension discussions until later in the season, leaving the situation unresolved.
Chicago has substantially reshaped its roster over the past year, trading Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic at the 2026 trade deadline before continuing its rebuild during the offseason.
The Bulls subsequently added Norman Powell on a two-year, $44.075 million contract and acquired center Nic Claxton from Brooklyn. They also selected Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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Adding Towns would represent a major change in direction, giving Chicago an established offensive centerpiece to complement its younger core. His scoring ability and outside shooting would provide a different dimension to a frontcourt already featuring Claxton.
The executive’s comments suggest that Chicago’s potential cap flexibility could make the Bulls a team to watch if Towns becomes available. However, no trade or free-agent agreement has been reported.
The Clippers have also undergone a major roster overhaul, trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the deadline before sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in the offseason.
Los Angeles received Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and substantial draft capital in the Leonard deal. Its current core includes Darius Garland, Ingram, Rui Hachimura and rookie Keaton Wagler, with Bradley Beal also returning on a new contract.
Towns would give the Clippers an established star to anchor their offense as they transition toward a younger roster. His ability to score inside and stretch the floor could complement the team’s perimeter creators.
Still, the executive’s assessment identifies potential destinations rather than confirmed negotiations. Golden State and Dallas were also mentioned as teams that could create approximately $50 million in cap space with additional moves, while Brooklyn was viewed as a less suitable basketball fit.
