Following the completion of the first round of the 2025 NBA draft, the spotlight is now shifting to other ways teams can improve their rosters. With free agency still closed, trade discussions have gained momentum, and among the high-profile names likely involved is New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns. The conversation around Karl-Anthony Towns trade destinations has intensified as teams seek to bolster their lineups for the coming seasons.
Born in New Jersey, Towns showed flashes of brilliance in his initial season with the Knicks, although his playoff performance did not consistently meet expectations. Despite that, his value remains high due to his rare combination of size and skill. Towns’ impressive 2024-25 campaign featured averages of 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds—a career best—3.1 assists, and 2.0 made three-pointers per game, along with an efficient shooting split of 52.6% from the field, 42% from three, and 82.9% from the free-throw line. These factors make him one of the most sought-after big men, potentially commanding a significant trade price.
Why the Detroit Pistons Are a Perfect Fit for Towns
The Detroit Pistons have shown promising signs following their recent playoff breakthrough but now face the challenge of advancing further. To progress, they need a dependable co-star alongside Cade Cunningham and a player who can improve spacing on offense. Karl-Anthony Towns fits these needs perfectly. Offensively, Towns can change the game with his scoring and shooting ability, and while his defense may have limitations, Detroit’s roster possesses the length and athleticism to compensate. Adding Towns could help the Pistons become a more formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Ambitious Pursuit of Towns
The Lakers could be on the optimistic end of acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns given their current trade payroll and roster dynamics, but they have enough assets and salary flexibility to make a deal work. While Towns is not the classic lob-catching big man some expect to pair with Luka Dončić, his proficiency in stretching the floor would be a strategic asset for the Lakers’ stars. Under the NBA’s collective bargaining rules, signing a trio like Towns, Dončić, and LeBron James is complex but potentially game-changing. While defense might suffer, the Lakers’ offense could thrive, potentially scoring over 125 points per game and offsetting any defensive weaknesses.
Golden State Warriors’ Long-Shot Interest in Towns
The Warriors remain a less likely destination for Towns because acquiring him would likely require trading away key veterans like Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green. Nonetheless, the team’s clear desire for a stretch big to anchor the middle keeps them in the conversation. Towns is among the league’s elite at this role, offering a dynamic pick-and-pop threat alongside Stephen Curry that would be difficult for opposing defenses to counter. Even if the trade weakens the Warriors’ depth, head coach Steve Kerr’s system would maximize their offensive movement and passing, creating significant challenges for rivals.
The flurry of recent trades involving big names such as Kevin Durant, Kristaps Porziņģis, CJ McCollum, and Jrue Holiday has already reshaped the NBA landscape, and a Towns trade could be the next headline-making move. Each of the three potential destinations offers a unique opportunity and challenge for Towns and the teams pursuing him.
How this situation develops will depend on negotiations between these franchises, salary cap considerations, and the evolving priorities of the Knicks. For teams like the Pistons, Lakers, and Warriors, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns could be a decisive step toward playoff success and long-term competitiveness, making these top three Karl-Anthony Towns trade destinations critical to watch in the coming weeks and months.