The New York Knicks’ situation could be worse.
The franchise could be without a key contributor for the foreseeable future, which would lower its title odds. Still, a four-game losing streak and rough month overall (2-8 record in January) is nothing to take lightly.
Could a drastic roster shake-up benefit the Knicks going forward? Heavy’s Adam Taylor believes so, citing that swapping Karl-Anthony Towns for a three-time All-Star should be on the table.
“Karl-Anthony Towns’ tenure with the New York Knicks is becoming a hot topic of discussion,” Taylor wrote Tuesday. “The veteran big man has become a conduit of frustration in recent weeks, especially as the Knicks have fallen to a 2-8 record over their last 10 games.”
“New York came into the season with high expectations on its shoulders. Led by Mike Brown’s movement-heavy system, the Knicks were expected to challenge for a spot in the NBA Finals. As such, the front office may feel that now is the right time to shake things up, and that could mean Towns emerges as a trade chip.”
“One deal that could make sense is reuniting Brown with Domantas Sabonis. The duo worked together during Brown’s time with the Sacramento Kings. A potential trade could look like this (Towns and Pacome Dadiet to the Kings for Sabonis, Dario Saric, and Keon Ellis).
While Towns may be a more well-rounded, skilled frontcourt player than Sabonis, the Knicks are moving backwards with the Kentucky product.
Instead of sticking with Towns and hoping he figures things out sooner rather than later, Taylor suggests New York should turn over a new leaf by replacing him with a 6-foot-10 Kings standout forward in a dead-end situation.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that acquiring Sabonis will resolve New York’s problems and help it get its season back on the right path.
However, considering Sabonis is an established frontcourt weapon, has experience playing for Brown, and would love nothing more than to join a franchise serious about winning a championship, a trade could be just what the doctor ordered for the Knicks.
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