According to The Athletic’s Fred Katz, the New York Knicks “have not expressed any interest in trading for [Karl-Anthony] Towns.”
In a report looking at potential offseason moves for the Knicks, Katz wrote about rumors that the Knicks could be a trade partner for Minnesota with Towns being the centerpiece of a deal. In Katz’s view, there’s no chance it happens.
“But it’s not like the Minnesota Timberwolves are trying to tear their team down. According to league sources who have talked business with them, the Wolves have set a sky-high price on Towns, too. And according to another league source, in spite of what the constant speculation may tell you, the Knicks have not expressed any interest in trading for Towns.”
This tracks with a recent report from SNY’s Ian Begley on Zach Lowe’s podcast that “the Knicks could have gone there as well and they clearly have decided not to go there at this point.”
Lowe had similar comments to Katz about the Wolves’ interest, or lack thereof, saying, “I’m not sure, really, how serious Minnesota was, if at all.”
The more interesting note from Katz’s column is the “sky-high” price the Wolves have reportedly set for Towns. Minnesota has a considerable lack of draft capital over the next few years after last year’s Rudy Gobert trade, in addition to a lack of cap space with three max contracts on the books and a looming extension for Jaden McDaniels.
