Knicks Won't Trade Karl Anthony Towns Before Trade Deadline

Merlin sees the Knicks are not planning to trade Karl-Anthony Towns before the Feb. 5 deadline, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. Owner James Dolan insisted "This group can win a championship; I believe that." Towns and coach Mike Brown have had visible friction, his numbers are down from last season, and New York has had rough stretches, yet the team sits third in the East at 26-18. Towns said they were "figuring it out," and the club appears willing to try that first. With Towns under contract through next season, a $61 million player option in 2027-28, and an extension possible after this year, patience is a deliberate move. Merlin senses tension like storm clouds, but also room for a calm, if the chemistry can be mended.