As rumors swirl about a potential trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) and the New York Knicks, Knicks fans are divided on whether the team should pursue the star center. However, a recent perspective from Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby offers an angle that could make Knicks fans feel more optimistic about the possibility of acquiring Towns.
Anunoby, who has faced KAT numerous times on the court, emphasized the versatility and high-level talent Towns brings to any team. In a recent interview, Anunoby described Towns as a unique player who can stretch the floor, dominate inside, and facilitate offense—a rare combination for a player of his size. “He’s a guy who can play at all three levels,” Anunoby said, referring to Towns’ ability to score from beyond the arc, mid-range, and in the paint. For a Knicks team looking to elevate their offense, Anunoby’s assessment points to why Towns might be the missing piece they need.
Towns, a two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, has proven himself as one of the most skilled offensive big men in the NBA. His ability to shoot from deep, play as a pick-and-roll option, and facilitate from the post offers a dimension that few other players can provide. For the Knicks, who are often criticized for their stagnant offense, adding a versatile scorer like Towns could open up the floor for stars like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle to operate more effectively.
Anunoby’s perspective highlights another important aspect of KAT’s game: his basketball IQ. Towns has grown as a passer and playmaker over the years, capable of creating opportunities for his teammates. For a team like the Knicks, whose offense can sometimes rely too heavily on isolation plays, Towns’ ability to draw defenders and kick out to open shooters could make the offense more dynamic and less predictable.
Defensive concerns are often brought up when discussing Towns, as he’s not known for his elite defense. However, Anunoby pointed out that Towns is not a liability on defense, especially when surrounded by strong perimeter defenders. Given that the Knicks already have defensive-minded players like Mitchell Robinson and Quentin Grimes, Towns could fit into a system where his offensive contributions outweigh any defensive shortcomings.
Another factor that Anunoby’s comments underscore is Towns’ readiness to play in a large market like New York. Having spent years in Minnesota, a smaller market, Towns might thrive under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, where the stakes are higher, and the spotlight is constant. Anunoby suggested that Towns has the maturity and experience to handle the pressures of New York, where fans expect nothing less than excellence.
From OG Anunoby’s perspective, Towns’ combination of offensive talent, basketball IQ, and market readiness could make him an ideal fit for the Knicks. For fans who are wary of the potential cost of trading for Towns, this insight offers reassurance that KAT could transform New York’s offense and elevate the team’s status in the Eastern Conference. While any trade for Towns would likely come with a hefty price, Anunoby’s analysis highlights why it could be worth it in the long run. If the Knicks are serious about contending, adding a player of Towns’ caliber could be the move that finally pushes them into the upper echelon of the league.