The New York Knicks entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations after locking in key players, including Karl-Anthony Towns, on a lucrative $49.4 million contract. Although Towns delivered impressive regular-season numbers at Madison Square Garden, questions about his defensive reliability began to surface as the team advanced to the playoffs. These concerns, paired with salary cap pressures, have ignited trade speculation around Karl-Anthony Towns Knicks trade possibilities.
Towns, the Knicks’ starting center, produced standout offensive statistics, finishing the regular season with 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, shooting efficiently both inside the arc at 52.6% and beyond at 42%. His ability to stretch defenses earned him an All-Star nod and a spot on the All-<a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Third Team. The team’s success with over 50 wins breathed new life into Madison Square Garden, reminiscent of the franchise’s ‘90s heyday. Fans celebrated not only Towns but also Mikal Bridges’ contract extension, a unique $150 million-plus-one-dollar deal praised for its symbolism and team-friendly nature.
Playoff Defensive Issues Cloud Towns’ Contributions
Despite flourishing offensively, Towns’ playoff performance revealed glaring defensive difficulties. After a commanding 35-point and 12-rebound debut against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference First Round, Towns’ defense faltered in Game 2, where he was outperformed significantly by opponents while on the floor. Head coach Tom Thibodeau responded by benching the $49 million player, a rare move underscoring his defensive struggles.
Game 3 saw a resurgence with Towns scoring 24 points, yet the defensive issues persisted throughout the series. Pacers players frequently exploited Towns, employing pick-and-roll strategies that exposed his mobility limitations. Basketball analyst Jayson Timpf criticized his defensive impact, stating,
“Karl-Anthony Towns was downright damaging to your defensive scheme… That was an entire season from October all the way to late May when you got eliminated. Karl-Anthony Towns was a problem.”
Similarly, analyst Jonathan Macri suggested alternative defensive configurations, remarking,
“The pick-and-roll defense left a lot to be desired… maybe they go more to a look where it’s Mitchell Robinson or another center—not Towns at the five.”
This pointed to uncertainty over Towns’ fit guarding perimeter players and handling agile offensive sets in crucial moments.
Balancing Exceptional Offense With Defensive Concerns
Karl-Anthony Towns had a career-best season in terms of efficiency and rebounding, forging a strong offensive chemistry with point guard Jalen Brunson. Yet, the playoffs acted as an examination that revealed limitations in his defensive rotations, lateral movement, and ability to respond to quicker opponents. The Knicks were pushed to the brink by teams like the Pacers and Detroit Pistons, with Detroit dragging the series to six games.
In playoff action, Towns averaged 22 points and 10.8 rebounds, numbers that remain impressive, but his negative plus-minus of -45 sent a troubling signal about his overall impact on the court during the most critical stretch of the season.
Salary Cap Pressure Fuels Trade Speculation
Amid these on-court struggles, the Knicks face significant salary cap challenges. Towns’ $49.4 million salary accounts for roughly a million dollars per regular-season game, a massive financial commitment that contrasts with the cheaper, long-term deal given to Mikal Bridges. Combined with Jalen Brunson’s rising contract demands, the front office is reportedly exploring trade options to restructure their roster and payroll.
Sources have mentioned potential destinations in speculation about Towns’ future, including the Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings, and even a possible reunion with former Wolves teammate Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. Insiders warn that unless Towns improves defensively, the Knicks might prioritize flexibility, leading to significant roster shakeups.
Team Outlook Hinges on Towns’ Defensive Adjustments
The Knicks boast a strong core beyond Towns, with Bridges locked in on a team-friendly contract and Brunson emerging as a reliable All-NBA candidate. Bench scoring from players like Jordan Clarkson adds valuable depth. Should Towns address his defensive shortcomings, the team has the potential to return to contention and vie for an NBA title.
However, if those weaknesses remain uncorrected, Towns’s massive salary and defensive liabilities could become a burden rather than an asset. The $150 million-plus-one-dollar deal for Bridges might then overshadow Towns’ contract as a major offseason talking point.
The Debate Over Towns’ Role on the Knicks
The central question remains: is Karl-Anthony Towns truly the missing piece that can push the Knicks over the edge, or is he a defensive liability cloaked in impressive offensive metrics? As the team enters a pivotal offseason, reactions remain mixed. Towns’ unique skill set—7 feet tall with elite shooting and rebounding skills—is undeniable, yet the NBA’s playoff demands emphasize defense and agility.
“Karl-Anthony Towns was downright damaging to your defensive scheme… That was an entire season from October all the way to late May when you got eliminated. Karl-Anthony Towns was a problem.” —Jayson Timpf
“The pick-and-roll defense left a lot to be desired… maybe they go more to a look where it’s Mitchell Robinson or another center—not Towns at the five.” —Jonathan Macri
“Is Karl-Anthony Towns the Knicks’ missing piece, or just a defensive liability in disguise?”
Knicks fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Towns can adapt defensively in the coming season or if the franchise opts to explore trade avenues. Either way, his contract and performance are at the center of a critical debate that will shape New York’s future trajectory in the NBA landscape.