Ranking Karl-Anthony Towns’ Top 7 Trade Destinations If the Knicks Hit the Panic Button

The New York Knicks they had been fighting for the better part of a month. They have lost nine of their last 11 games, including each of their last four. After creating multiple recent blockbuster trades involving tons of draft picks for players like Karl-Anthony TownsMikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, New York’s recent struggles have been a huge disappointment.

The NBA trade deadline is coming, and changes could come. This was reported by Steve Popper of Newsday people around the league they begin to speculate that it is The Knicks could consider trading Towns. While a league source told him they haven’t shopped the center yet, the former No. 1 overall pick has been brought into trade talks with a number of teams.

The Charlotte HornetsOrlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies all have been reported as teams that have shown interest in Towns. The The Milwaukee Bucks have long been considered a likely Towns trade destinationalso, because the Knicks are considered Giannis Antetokounmpo’s preferred trade destination if he ends up committing to a trade request. It still seems unlikely that Towns will be moved, considering his first year in New York was just last season and arguably his career year. Still, superstars are being traded left and right in the modern NBA. So if Towns is put on trading block, which teams would suit him best?

The Golden State Warriors became a dynasty because of their small ball philosophy. Fans have long wondered how the team would fare with an inside presence. Towns is one of the best centers in the NBA. It would be easier to say the money works in a trade for the Warriors, but as a pure combination, it would make some sense for Golden State.

With Stephen Curry on the roster, the Warriors favor the 3-point shot. Towns is an elite 3-point shooter that would allow the Warriors to continue their style of play. Jimmy Butler just suffered a torn ACL. His contract would likely have to be included in order for a trade for Towns to work. However, the Warriors likely can’t reach contender status even after trading the injured Butler for Towns. The Knicks certainly wouldn’t want to trade for an injured player anyway.

6. Milwaukee Bucks

A trade between the cities and Milwaukee probably only happens in a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although that decision would be understandable for the Knicks, considering The Greek Freak is a two-time MVP and one of the the best players in the NBAthat would be questionable for the Bucks. A trade for starter capital and young assets would make more sense for the Bucks, but reports suggest the Bucks would trade their franchise icon to a destination where wants to land.

Towns’ fit in Milwaukee would be questionable as they already added Myles Turner in the offseason. Both Turner and Towns are great 3-point shooting big men, but they probably can’t share the floor together. A logjam at center with two veterans wouldn’t get the Bucks on the right track in life post-Antetokounmpo, so they’d likely want to flip Towns in another trade if he ends up with the team. Still, they must be mentioned as appropriate because of the Antetokounmpo-for-Towns rumors.

The Indiana Pacers were one game away from the NBA champions last season. The mighty have fallen since then, as they are now last in the Eastern Conference standings. Of course, Tyrese Halliburton’s injury is the biggest cause of Indiana’s decline. However, Myles Turner’s departure in free agency did the team no favors.

Adding Towns won’t help the Pacers compete this year, but he would be a great addition when the team leads Halliburton again next season. Haliburton is by far the best playmaker in the NBA, so Towns would certainly benefit from playing alongside him.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

Of the three teams rumored to be interested in Towns, the Memphis Grizzlies make the least sense, but would still be a pretty solid deal for Towns. Assuming he was made a deal for the disgruntled Ja Morant, and not for Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies would have an impressive frontcourt pairing.

Both Towns and Jackson can shoot the three, which would really open up the offense for some creative schemes and play designs. Their combined 3-point expertise would also be difficult for almost any opposing team. Plus, Jackson’s edge protection would pair nicely with Towns.

Towns isn’t a terrible inside defender, but his block numbers have been down for several seasons. Jackson could cover him in that regard as a former Defensive Player of the Year and multiple league leader in blocks. Zach Edey is also on the Memphis roster. He has battled injuries for two seasons, so having Towns on the roster would help limit his exposure to overuse and provide additional insurance if he continues to injure his ankles.

3. Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards have already made the biggest trade of the year, so what’s stopping them from making another blockbuster deal? The Wizards dealt next to nothing for Tree Young, so they still have the wherewithal to craft a package for Towns. Even with Young, Washington is still far from contention.

Another All-Star addition would speed up their rebuild. Wizards are full of guards and wings. However, Alex Sarr is the only long-term option in there. The former number two pick could play alongside Towns. Defense would certainly be a concern for a Young/Towns-led team, but Washington is still one of its best players.

2. Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have three players averaging 19 points per game. However, they are yet to take the next step forward when it comes to wins. A obvious weakness at the center position is a big reason why. The Hornets are giving their center minutes to Ryan Kalkbrenner, Moussa Diabat and Mason Plumlee.

Kalkbrenner was solid during his rookie season, but he still appears to be at his best as a reserve. Towns would give the Hornets the boost they need. He fits the team’s philosophy, as both the Hornets and Towns like to shoot a lot of shots from beyond the arc. Towns would also certainly thrive with an elite and unique passer like LaMelo Ball feeding him the ball as well.

1. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have long needed more 3-point shooting. Because of this, they traded four first-round picks and additional assets get Desmond Bane in the offseason. The former Grizzlies wing has improved Orlando’s spacing, but they still rank just 28th in both 3-pointers (11 per game) and 3-point percentage (33.9%).

With Orlando’s two best players, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, being movers who like to shoot inside, the Magic need players who thrive from beyond the arc. Most centers aren’t great from deep, but Towns is the best 3-pointer in NBA history, making him a perfect fit for Orlando’s roster.

Now, acquiring Towns’ contract would likely mean including Jalen Suggs in the deal. However, this may not be the end of the world. Not only has Suggs struggled to stay on the floor throughout his career, but both Banchero and Wagner like to work with the ball in their hands, so the Magic could get away with not committing many minutes to typical playmakers. Anthony Black has also really started to step up in recent months.

This is the year to go all-in for Eastern Conference teams, so the Magic should trade for Towns before the trade deadline. They are by far his best trading destination.