The New York Knicks could consider trading Karl-Anthony Towns if the sides cannot resolve their contract situation before the 2027 offseason, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com.
“The Knicks would be crazy to trade Towns at this point, but then, the Knicks are crazy not to have found common ground on an extension before the season started,” Deveney wrote. “So, we can’t rule out a deal if it looks like Towns will seriously weigh leaving in the summer of 2027.”
Deveney added that New York has “put that option on the table for him,” while Towns “will have suitors if nothing changes between now and June 30.”
The report puts the Knicks’ contract negotiations with their starting center back in focus. New York paused extension discussions with Towns and other eligible players on October 9, saying the team wanted to avoid distractions during its title defense.
Towns, 30, is in the third season of a four-year, $220.4 million contract. He is eligible for a maximum extension worth approximately $276 million, while the reported gap between the sides has been substantial: around $200 million on the Knicks’ side versus the maximum figure.
The financial picture adds another layer to the situation. New York is projected to allocate approximately $223.3 million in 2026-27 and $251.9 million in 2027-28, leaving limited flexibility under the league’s salary-cap and apron rules.
Towns has continued to produce, averaging 19.9 points and 13.6 rebounds through eight games this season. He is shooting 57.3% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range, while also recording 3.1 assists per game.
Those numbers follow a 2025-26 season in which he averaged 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds across 75 games. In his first Knicks season in 2024-25, he posted 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game.
A potential trade would represent a major decision for a team built around Jalen Brunson, Towns, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. It would also reshape New York’s frontcourt and its plans to remain in contention.
