Karl-Anthony Towns has been a central figure for the New York Knicks, helping lead the team to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. Despite his contributions, reports have emerged indicating dissatisfaction within the Knicks’ locker room regarding his defensive performance, raising speculation about his future and possible Karl-Anthony Towns potential trade destinations as the Knicks consider their next move.

Locker Room Issues Prompt Trade Discussions

Although Towns was crucial to the Knicks’ most successful playoff run in years and earned All-Star starter honors, internal frustrations have surfaced about his defensive efforts. According to a report by James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic, teammates and coaches grew increasingly frustrated with Towns’ communication and defensive lapses during the season. As his contract continues to escalate, the Knicks might explore trading him despite his offensive value.

Knicks players and coaches were reportedly frustrated with Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive habits, per @TheAthletic
“Publicly, Knicks players made veiled comments all season about poor communication causing their inconsistencies. Behind the scenes, they and coaches expressed… pic.twitter.com/S0Y3wM8OxG
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 1, 2025

Teams Showing Interest in Acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns

Despite concerns, Towns remains an attractive option for several franchises seeking a skilled, floor-spacing big man. Should the Knicks decide to move him, several teams are likely to express interest, balancing their need for a veteran scorer with the challenges Towns’ defense brings.

Phoenix Suns Could Trade Kevin Durant for Towns

The Phoenix Suns are poised for roster adjustments following a disappointing end to their season and growing uncertainty around Kevin Durant’s tenure. The Suns lack a consistent center, a weakness exposed in recent playoff matchups. A trade swapping Durant for Towns has surfaced as a viable option, addressing Phoenix’s frontcourt needs while allowing the Knicks to gain a superstar.

This potential swap would allow Phoenix to remain competitive without a full rebuild, offering a roster balance that suits their current goals. Towns provides rim spacing and offensive versatility that the Suns critically need.

Milwaukee Bucks Seek a Younger Center to Complement Giannis

With Brook Lopez aging and declining defensively, the Milwaukee Bucks are searching for a younger, more dynamic center to support Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Towns doesn’t offer Lopez’s rim protection, his ability to stretch the floor could improve Milwaukee’s offensive flow.

However, acquiring Towns might require a complex, multi-team deal, especially involving Damian Lillard’s contract, which the Knicks are unlikely to want given its redundancy next to Jalen Brunson and his injury status. If another franchise could absorb Lillard’s contract, the Bucks might negotiate a trade for Towns.

Los Angeles Lakers Target Frontcourt Help to Pair with Stars

The Los Angeles Lakers struggled defensively in the frontcourt after trading Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, a vulnerability that was exploited in the playoffs. Seeking to bolster their interior presence, the Lakers could view Towns as a superior alternative to Jaxson Hayes or Jarred Vanderbilt.

Town’s ability to space the floor alongside LeBron James and Dončić has the potential to enhance the Lakers’ offense significantly. Additionally, the Lakers possess enough flexible contracts to facilitate a trade with the Knicks.

Detroit Pistons Eye Experienced Scorer to Elevate Young Core

The Detroit Pistons are emerging as a team willing to add proven veterans to complement their rising star Cade Cunningham. With an eye on sustained success, the Pistons need a floor-spacing big man who can create shots and shoulder scoring responsibilities when Cunningham is resting.

Towns fits this role well but comes with a steep price tag. Nevertheless, his presence could accelerate Detroit’s growth and provide the offensive boost necessary to build on their recent momentum.

Boston Celtics Could Benefit from Towns’ Frontcourt Stability

While a direct trade between the Knicks and Celtics might seem unlikely, a multi-team deal could facilitate Towns moving to Boston. The Celtics’ frontcourt is aging and injury-prone, with Al Horford nearing 40 and Kristaps Porziņģis struggling to stay healthy. Towns would provide a reliable, skilled big man to support Jayson Tatum’s return from injury.

This acquisition would give Boston a stronger interior presence and balance their roster better, particularly as they aim to maximize their championship window once Tatum recovers.

Prospects for Towns’ Future and Knicks’ Direction

Karl-Anthony Towns’ situation epitomizes the complex balance between talent and team chemistry. The Knicks face a critical decision on whether to retain an All-Star caliber player despite defensive concerns or pursue a trade that reshapes the team’s core.

The interest from teams like Phoenix, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Boston indicates that Towns’ value remains high across the league. Each team offers a distinct context where Towns’ skill set could address specific needs, but any trade will require intricate negotiation due to his contract and on-court limitations.

As the offseason unfolds, monitoring these potential Karl-Anthony Towns potential trade destinations will reveal the Knicks’ priorities and how they intend to build on their breakthrough playoff run.