Team Reporter: Trade rumors surrounding Towns are brewing, with rumored destinations including the Grizzlies, Magic, and Hornets.

With the New York Knicks' recent inconsistent performance, trade rumors surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns are rapidly circulating within the league. The news was first reported by Newsday Sports team reporter Steve Popper, but there is currently no further corroboration.

On January 19th local time, the Knicks hosted a depleted Dallas Mavericks team. They ultimately lost 97-114 to the Mavericks, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat and being booed by the fans at Madison Square Garden.

As a Knicks beat reporter, Steve Popper inevitably touched upon the trade rumors surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns when analyzing the team's recent situation after the game. He wrote, "Rumors about the Knicks potentially trading for Towns have begun circulating within the league. Towns' name first appeared in discussions between the Knicks and the Bucks regarding a trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. Current league sources indicate that these discussions have extended to other teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets."

Karl-Anthony Towns, 30, is a 2.13-meter tall, 112-kilogram center who was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the first overall pick in 2015. After playing nine seasons with the Timberwolves, he was traded to the Knicks, where he played 573 games, averaging 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

So far this season, Towns has played 39 regular season games for the Grizzlies, averaging 20.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 32.4 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 46.6% and a three-point percentage of 35.7%. In Monday night's loss to the Mavericks, he scored 22 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal, with a field goal percentage of 47.4% and a three-point percentage of 50.0%.

Although league sources emphasize that the Knicks are not actively shopping Towns, discussions surrounding his future continue. If the Knicks fail to make a further breakthrough in the playoffs compared to last season, management may consider roster adjustments during the offseason.