Blockbuster Mock Trade Shakes Things Up: Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns to Suns in Three-Team Deal with Hornets
With the 2024-2025 NBA season fast approaching, teams are scrambling to bolster their rosters for a championship push. Meanwhile, others, like the Phoenix Suns, are looking to retool after a disappointing campaign.
The Suns are expected to part ways with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal this summer to rebuild around Devin Booker, following their first playoff absence since the 2019-20 season.
In this context, Owen O’Connor of Sports Illustrated recently proposed a hypothetical three-team trade involving the Suns, New York Knicks, and Charlotte Hornets. The deal would see Phoenix and New York swap Kevin Durant and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Per O’Connor, the Suns would acquire Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Green, a 2026 first-round pick via Charlotte, and two second-round picks from New York. The Knicks would land Kevin Durant and Nick Smith Jr. Meanwhile, the Hornets would add Grayson Allen, Miles McBride, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 first-round pick from the Knicks.
This would be a blockbuster move this summer, with the Knicks parting ways with Karl-Anthony Towns after just one season to pair Kevin Durant with Jalen Brunson. The Suns would reshape their roster by finally securing a star center in Towns while swapping Grayson Allen for Josh Green, who has shown promise in his NBA career.
For the Hornets, the trade would enhance their roster depth and add draft picks as they continue their long-term rebuild.
While this deal seems beneficial for all parties, the likelihood of the Knicks moving on from Towns after one season in New York is slim. However, given his lackluster playoff performance, the Knicks might consider the possibility. If it happens and the Suns land Towns, they could form a new star duo with Devin Booker, aiming to restore their status as championship contenders.