NBA Trades: 5 trade targets the New York Knicks must pursue this summer

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks looks up at the scoreboard late in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks as he stands by teammates Quentin Grimes #6 and RJ Barrett #9 at Madison Square Garden on January 12, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Knicks trade target #1: Karl Anthony Towns

Like Lavine, Towns earned a lucrative contract following a career year, but he and his team have failed to meet expectations since. The Timberwolves made the playoffs as an eighth seed but were eliminated in five games by the Denver Nuggets.

It’s fair to believe Minnesota just needs more time to build chemistry, as Towns and starting point guard Mike Conley only played 29 and 24 regular season games for the team, respectively. On the other hand, this season has proved the Wolves are Anthony Edwards’ team, and the roster around him is not helping him to succeed. Bringing in more perimeter-oriented players around Edwards could help Edwards and the team reach their full potential.

The Knicks could offer that in players like Immanuel Quickley and/or R.J. Barrett, as well as draft picks to restock the Wolves’ capital after the Rudy Gobert trade. From the Knicks’ point of view, there might not be a better fit for Towns than New York. He’d be able to play with a true star point guard for the first time in his career and would be reunited with former coach Tom Thibodeau.

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Additionally, President Leon Rose is Towns’ former agent. If New York can get Minnesota to pick up the phone, it’s hard to imagine a deal not getting done.

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