Knicks urged to trade $220 million five-time All-Star if postseason ends in failure

Knicks urged to trade $220 million five-time All-Star if postseason ends in failure originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The New York Knicks appear poised to finally get over the hump this postseason and prove they can win a championship with their star-studded group.

New York is in full control against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round (2-0 lead) and possesses the firepower necessary to finish the year as the last team standing. If the Knicks fall short of their ultimate goal, though, it could spark a monster trade involving their five-time All-Star center. “There is reportedly some belief within NBA circles that the New York Knicks should make a decision on All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns' future with the franchise this coming offseason,” Bleacher Report’s Mike Chiari wrote Tuesday.

“Speaking to ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, an anonymous Eastern Conference executive said, ‘They're probably in a spot with KAT that they should either extend him or look to trade him. If this playoff run convinces everyone this is a good fit, maybe they can get him to take a little discount off his max, like (Jalen) Brunson did and help them keep the core together. " In other words, Towns is auditioning for a long-term role/contract with the Knicks during the 2026 playoffs.

So far, the Kentucky product has impressed, continuing to showcase his versatility as a stretch five and controlling the glass at a high level with New York. Towns contributed 18. 7 points, 11.