ESPN: Towns wants to stay in New York, but the Knicks may put him on the trading block this summer.

According to ESPN reporter Vincent Goodwill on Thursday, Karl-Anthony Towns' future with the New York Knicks is uncertain. If the Knicks are eliminated early in the playoffs, they are very likely to put Towns on the trading block this summer.

Karl-Anthony Towns, 30, is a 2.13-meter tall, 112-kilogram center who entered the NBA as the number one overall pick in 2015. He spent the first nine years of his professional career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, during which he played a total of 573 regular season games, averaging 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

After being traded to the Knicks in October 2024, Towns played 72 regular season games, averaging 35.0 minutes, 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals, helping the team secure the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record. In the playoffs, he led the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals, delivering an outstanding performance with averages of 21.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

However, Towns' field goal attempts and points per game this season are both at their lowest levels since joining the Knicks. Having not yet fully integrated into Mike Brown's system, he averaged only 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 75 regular-season games, shooting 50.1% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range.

The Knicks are currently down 1-2 in the first round of the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, with Towns averaging 21.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. In his column, Goodwill wrote, "Several league executives believe that Towns will be key to the Knicks' ability to defeat the Eastern Conference title favorites. If they fail to achieve this, many expect the Knicks to explore the trade market for Towns this summer."

Another league executive said, "If they ultimately fall short and fail to advance to the Finals, Towns will face the most pressure because of his resume. Brunson won't be the target of criticism; people will say that Towns failed to shoulder the responsibility."

Towns' salary next season is a whopping $57.1 million, and the Knicks are not ruling out using him as trade bait to match top-tier player contracts. They included Towns' name in trade discussions involving Giannis Antetokounmpo as early as January, with teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets showing interest.

Despite this, Towns still hopes to stay with the Knicks. A source close to Towns told ESPN, "He really wants to succeed in New York. He wants to stay with the Knicks for life."

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