New Knicks Trade Rumors on Giannis, Karl-Anthony Towns and More Ahead of 2026 Deadline

New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns may not be untouchable with only days remaining before the NBA trade deadline passes Thursday, according to The Athletic's James L. Edwards III.

It may not be as simple as including KAT in a blockbuster trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, though.

"The Knicks have played some of their best basketball as of late without Towns on the floor or with him still struggling offensively — although his rebounding has been off the charts," Edwards wrote. "Assuming Towns is moved but not in a deal involving Antetokounmpo, the return is expected to be salary-matching players and, maybe, small draft compensation."

The Knicks insider added that New York is "one of several teams that have and will continue to inquire heavily about" Antetokounmpo. He cast doubt on whether a midseason deal could materialize.

New York doesn't have a "a premier young player" or valuable draft capital, and Edwards reported Towns and Mikal Bridges have declined as assets. He wrote how the pair "aren't believed to have the same value today as when the Knicks traded for them."

Therefore, the offseason may provide the Knicks with a more realistic path to acquiring the two-time NBA MVP if that's something they want to pursue.

In general, it could be an uneventful deadline.

According to Edwards, "nothing has changed" in the team's quest to offload Guerschon Yabusele.

The 30-year-old forward simply hasn't worked out in the Big Apple. He's averaging 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game while playing fewer than 10 minutes a night through 41 appearances.

Yabusele is only making $5.5 million, yet his value is such that the Knicks would also have to send out a draft pick in order to move him.

A swoop for New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, who's on New York's radar, could be equally futile, per Edwards. He reported Alvarado would prefer to remain in New Orleans and that the Pels would likely have multiple suitors, thus driving up the price, if they indicated they're open to offers.

The Knicks are second in the Eastern Conference (30-18), but few would consider them to be the championship favorite. From that standpoint, they could benefit from a trade or two.

Finding a realistic swap appears to be easier said than done.