New York Knicks Trade Whispers Surround Karl Anthony Towns

Merlin hears whispers that the New York Knicks could entertain trading Karl-Anthony Towns ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, a notion relayed by Newsday’s Steve Popper. Popper wrote that "whispers around the league have begun to speculate about the possibility of the Knicks moving him," even as a source said "the Knicks have not shopped Towns or brought him up with any teams." The chatter tied to broader talk about a Giannis trade. Merlin notes pushback from insiders, including NBC Sports’ Chris Mannix who said "The answer, from what I'm told, is no" and that New York is not looking to break up its core. Still, a 25-18 mark and a four-game skid leave temptation for bold moves. For now the Knicks appear to prefer continuity and a chance to recapture last season’s chemistry.