In a seismic shift that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Chicago Bulls have emerged as the apparent victors in a proposed three-team trade that lands four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns in the Windy City. The blockbuster deal, involving the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, sees Chicago bolster its roster with a transformative talent, while the Knicks and Hawks are left grappling with the fallout of a high-stakes gamble. But is this truly a breakthrough for the Bulls, or will the cost of this trade come back to haunt all parties involved?
The Trade Breakdown
According to a speculative proposal outlined by Athlon Sports, the trade would see the Knicks part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns, the centerpiece of their roster since his acquisition from the Minnesota Timberwolves in September 2024. In return, the Knicks would receive Zach LaVine and Torrey Craig from the Bulls, along with draft compensation. The Hawks, meanwhile, would send De’Andre Hunter and a protected first-round pick to the Bulls, acquiring Nikola Vucevic and Jevon Carter from Chicago in the process. The deal aims to address specific needs for each team but raises questions about long-term fit and financial implications.
Chicago Bulls: A New Era with KAT
For the Bulls, landing Towns is nothing short of a coup. The 2024-25 All-NBA Third Team selection brings elite scoring, rebounding, and floor-spacing ability to a frontcourt in desperate need of star power. Averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 42.0% from three in the 2024-25 season, Towns is a rare breed—a 7-footer who can dominate inside and stretch defenses from beyond the arc. His addition alongside DeMar DeRozan and Coby White could elevate Chicago from a play-in contender to a legitimate playoff threat in the Eastern Conference.
However, the Bulls’ acquisition comes at a steep price. Trading away Zach LaVine, a dynamic scoring guard, and Nikola Vucevic, a reliable double-double machine, depletes Chicago’s backcourt scoring and frontcourt depth. Torrey Craig and Jevon Carter provide defensive grit, but neither matches the offensive output of the departed players. Additionally, De’Andre Hunter’s arrival from Atlanta adds a versatile wing defender, but his inconsistent shooting and injury history raise concerns about his fit as a long-term piece.
The financial aspect is equally daunting. Towns’ four-year, $220 million supermax contract is a massive commitment for a Bulls franchise that has historically shied away from such hefty investments. With Chicago already navigating a luxury tax crunch, this trade signals an all-in approach, betting on Towns to transform their fortunes. If he can replicate his regular-season dominance in the playoffs—where he’s faced scrutiny for defensive lapses and inconsistency—the Bulls could finally break through their postseason ceiling.
New York Knicks: A Risky Reset
For the Knicks, trading Towns just months after acquiring him is a stunning reversal. The original deal to bring Towns from Minnesota cost New York Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick, a move hailed as a championship-caliber upgrade. Now, with Towns struggling defensively in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals (opponents shot 66.7% at the rim against him, per NBA tracking data), murmurs of discontent within the organization have fueled trade speculation. The proposed deal would see Zach LaVine, a high-flying scorer, join Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, potentially creating a dynamic offensive trio. Torrey Craig adds defensive depth, and draft picks replenish New York’s depleted war chest.
Yet, the Knicks may be swallowing a bitter pill. LaVine’s $215 million contract carries its own risks, including injury concerns and a fit that overlaps with Brunson’s ball-dominant style. Losing Towns’ unique skill set as a floor-spacing big man leaves a hole at center, especially with Mitchell Robinson’s injury history. The Knicks’ gamble hinges on LaVine rediscovering his All-Star form and meshing with Tom Thibodeau’s defensive system—a tall order given LaVine’s reputation as a one-dimensional scorer. If this trade backfires, New York risks squandering the momentum built from their 51-31 season and No. 3 seed in 2024-25.
Atlanta Hawks: A Questionable Pivot
The Hawks’ role in this trade is perhaps the most perplexing. Sending De’Andre Hunter, a promising 3-and-D wing, and a protected first-round pick to Chicago for Nikola Vucevic and Jevon Carter feels like a step backward. Vucevic, while a consistent 17-point, 10-rebound center, is 34 years old and on an expiring $20 million contract, offering little long-term value for a Hawks team in need of youth and athleticism. Carter provides backcourt depth, but his limited offensive impact does little to move the needle for a franchise stuck in mediocrity.
Atlanta’s decision to part with Hunter, who at 27 still has upside as a two-way player, could haunt them. The Hawks are betting on Vucevic to stabilize their frontcourt alongside Trae Young, but his