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BREAKING: Warriors Among Favorites to Trade for Knicks $220 Million Star

Posted on June 4, 2025 - 6:21 am by

The NBA offseason is heating up with a jaw-dropping rumor: the Golden State Warriors are among the favorites to trade for New York Knicks’ $220 million star, Karl-Anthony Towns. After a second-round playoff exit exposed their lack of size, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. has made it clear that adding a big man is a priority. Towns, a 7-foot All-Star with elite shooting and rebounding, seems like a dream fit for Golden State’s system, but the odds are long, and the obstacles are steep. With fans buzzing on social media, this potential blockbuster trade could redefine the Warriors’ championship hopes—or remain a tantalizing “what if.” Let’s dive into why this rumor is electrifying the NBA world.

The Warriors’ Size Problem

The Golden State Warriors’ 2024-25 season ended in disappointment, with a second-round playoff loss highlighting a glaring weakness: size. Despite a potent offense led by Stephen Curry, the Warriors struggled with smaller lineups, often relying on 6-foot-6 Draymond Green at center and 6-foot-6 Jimmy Butler at power forward. This lack of height was exposed against bigger teams, as opponents dominated the paint and outrebounded Golden State in crucial moments.

GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. acknowledged the issue post-season, stating, “That’s always, I know, around here the buzz word is ‘size.’ I’d love to have an ability to play bigger.” Dunleavy emphasized the need for a frontcourt upgrade while preserving the team’s versatility, noting that Green’s role as a small-ball center remains an “ace in the hole” but isn’t a long-term solution. With plans to explore trades and free agency, the Warriors are on a mission to bolster their roster, and Karl-Anthony Towns has emerged as a prime target.

Why Towns Fits the Warriors’ Vision

Karl-Anthony Towns, a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, is a rare talent at 7 feet tall. His 2024-25 season with the Knicks was stellar, averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 50.7% field goal shooting and 39.1% from three-point range. Towns’ ability to stretch the floor with his shooting aligns perfectly with the Warriors’ pace-and-space offense, while his rebounding and shot-blocking (1.2 blocks per game) would address their frontcourt deficiencies.

Dunleavy’s desire for a big man who is “bigger, more athletic, more skilled in terms of shooting, passing, defending” describes Towns to a tee. His versatility would allow Green to slide back to power forward, creating a dynamic frontcourt duo capable of switching defensively and spacing the floor offensively. Pairing Towns with Curry’s gravity and Butler’s playmaking could elevate the Warriors back to championship contention, making them a nightmare matchup in the Western Conference.

The Trade Rumor: A Long Shot with High Stakes

The rumor, reported on June 4, 2025, places the Warriors among the favorites to land Towns, with Bovada listing their odds at plus-285. However, the deal is a long shot for several reasons. First, the Knicks have shown no public indication of trading Towns, who has been a cornerstone since his blockbuster move from Minnesota in 2024. His $220 million contract, with three years remaining, reflects New York’s investment in him as a franchise pillar alongside Jalen Brunson.

Second, the Warriors face significant hurdles in constructing a trade package. To match Towns’ $49.2 million salary for 2025-26, Golden State would likely need to include either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, both integral to their identity. Young prospects like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski would also be on the table, along with at least one first-round pick (Golden State owns their 2026 and 2028 picks). Even then, other teams—like the Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers—could outbid the Warriors with richer asset pools, including more draft capital or higher-upside players.

Challenges and Risks

The trade’s feasibility hinges on the Knicks’ willingness to pivot. While Towns has thrived in New York, the Knicks’ 45-37 record and first-round playoff exit in 2024-25 raised questions about their ceiling. If New York seeks to retool around Brunson, they might entertain offers, but they’d demand a hefty return for a 29-year-old star in his prime. For the Warriors, parting with Green or Butler would be a gut punch—Green’s defensive IQ and leadership are irreplaceable, while Butler’s two-way play has been a revelation since joining from Miami.

Additionally, Towns’ defensive limitations could pose challenges in Golden State’s switch-heavy system. While he’s improved as a rim protector, he’s not an elite individual defender, which could strain the Warriors’ backline alongside Curry’s defensive vulnerabilities. Financially, absorbing Towns’ contract would push the Warriors deeper into the luxury tax, potentially limiting their ability to fill out the roster under the NBA’s second-apron restrictions.

The Fan Frenzy and Social Media Buzz

The rumor has ignited passionate reactions on platforms like X, where Warriors fans are dreaming of a Curry-Towns pick-and-pop duo, while Knicks fans scoff at the idea of trading their star big man. One X post read, “KAT to the Warriors? That’s a championship roster right there,” while another countered, “No way Knicks give up Towns for scraps.” The speculation has fueled debates about whether Golden State can pull off a deal without gutting their core or if another team will swoop in.

The Warriors’ history of bold moves—like acquiring Kevin Durant in 2016—adds credibility to their pursuit. Dunleavy’s proactive approach, combined with owner Joe Lacob’s willingness to spend, suggests they’ll explore every avenue to maximize Curry’s prime. However, the Knicks’ high valuation of Towns and competition from other suitors make this a high-risk, high-reward gamble.

What’s at Stake

For the Warriors, landing Towns could be the final piece to reclaim their dynasty status. A lineup featuring Curry, Butler (or Green), Towns, and role players like Andrew Wiggins and Dennis Schröder would be a juggernaut, blending shooting, playmaking, and size. Yet, the cost of such a trade—potentially losing Green or Butler, plus young talent and picks—could jeopardize their depth and future flexibility. For the Knicks, trading Towns would signal a shift in strategy, but only if the return accelerates their championship timeline.

The outcome of this rumor will shape the Western and Eastern Conference landscapes. If the Warriors succeed, they could dominate the West; if they fail, they risk falling behind rivals like Denver and Phoenix. For now, the buzz around Towns is a reminder of the NBA’s unpredictability, where long shots can become reality.