NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 17: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 17, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

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Ricardo Sandoval

By Ricardo Sandoval

Contributing Sports Writer

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The New York Knicks are reportedly downplaying their desire to trade All-Star Karl Anthony Towns.

NBA insider Marc Stein shared in one of his more recent columns.

“Behind the scenes, Knicks officials have tried to downplay any notion that Karl-Anthony Towns could be traded during the season amid New York’s (and Towns’) January struggles,” Stein wrote. “However … a belief persists among some rival teams that Towns is in play to some degree. Or that the Knicks, at the very least, have tried to get a sense of what his market would be.”

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As the NBA trade deadline slowly approaches, there is a chance the five-time All-Star could be moved, especially as the Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors amplify.

Towns has been at the center of trade talks as the Knicks look to do all they can to improve their roster and inch closer to becoming the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.

More news: Lakers Have 6 Players on Trade Deadline Wish List: Report

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 17: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 17, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

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A potential addition of Antetokounmpo could take the Knicks over the top; however, he's not the type of player they necessarily need. New York's primary need is a defensive-minded ball handler or to add bench depth. Players they have been linked to are Jose Alvarado, Naji Marhslal, and Keon Ellis.

Towns certainly couldn't be packaged in a deal for any of those three players; however, there is real chatter that Towns will find a new home by Feb. 5. While the Knicks have benefited from having Towns on their team, New York could move him due to his massive contract, inconsistent performance, high tunrover rate and more importantly, his poor defensive impact.

The Knicks rank 16th in defensive rating at 114.4, with teams like the 76ers, Grizzlies, and Mavericks ahead of them.

More news: LeBron James Reportedly Didn’t Influence Lakers’ Bronny James Pick

Towns is in his second season in New York and did his part to lead the team to their first conference finals appearance in a quarter-century. However, if the Knicks feel like they have a real chance at acquiring Antetokounmpo, Towns will be the main piece in that potential package.

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