The Golden State Warriors are in a position they never imagined they’d be in when the 2025-26 season began.
The organization’s second-best player, Jimmy Butler, suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Monday Night that’ll prevent him from completing the year.
It’s reasonable to assume the franchise will be in scramble mode until the Feb. 5 trade deadline passes. In an intriguing and thought-provoking trade idea, the Dubs would land the New York Knicks’ standout center in a desperate attempt to remain in the mix for a championship.
“New York has lost nine of their past 11 games, with trade rumors now flying on their most expensive player,” Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe wrote Tuesday. “According to Steve Popper of News Day Sports, the Knicks have held discussions with multiple teams (Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets) on a trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns.”
“Towns is expected to be named an All-Star again this season, having averaged 21.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 46.7% shooting from the floor and 35.8% from three-point range.”
“Would the Warriors have interest in Towns as a desperate move in the wake of Jimmy Butler's season-ending knee injury? They were linked to a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis before the 10x All-Star's latest injury, so interest in Towns wouldn't be totally shocking.”
The fact that Towns has been involved in legitimate trade rumors recently is a good sign for Mike Dunleavy Jr. And the Warriors (if they choose to pursue Towns on the trade market).
The Dubs are not only officially lacking a second superstar with Butler’s devastating injury diagnosis, but also a dynamic frontcourt contributor who can thrive in pick-and-pop situations alongside Stephen Curry.
Towns would help the Warriors fill both of those voids, giving them an incentive to engage in trade talks surrounding the five-time All-Star center.
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