BLOCKBUSTER ALERT: Knicks Predicted to Trade Karl-Anthony Towns to Blazers in Three-Team Deal Featuring Jrue Holiday Shift

The New York Knicks are reportedly on the brink of another seismic shift in their roster composition as trade buzz heats up around star center Karl-Anthony Towns. In a recent speculative piece by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman, the Knicks are predicted to engage in a blockbuster three-team trade that would send the five-time All-Star to the Portland Trail Blazers. The deal would also involve the Atlanta Hawks, with significant movement of assets between all parties.

According to the proposed trade structure, New York would acquire veteran guard Jrue Holiday, rim-protecting big man Robert Williams III, and a 2028 first-round pick via Portland. In return, the Knicks would ship Karl-Anthony Towns and 2024 first-round rookie Pacome Dadiet to Portland. The Hawks would receive Duop Reath as part of the reshuffling. Though speculative at this stage, the proposal has gained traction in NBA circles due to its alignment with current team needs, salary logistics, and long-term strategy.

Towns is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career, averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting efficiently from both the perimeter and inside the arc. Despite his offensive brilliance, critics have pointed to his defensive shortcomings during the 2025 postseason, particularly in the Knicks’ Eastern Conference Finals loss. He often struggled in pick-and-roll coverage and rim protection against elite competition—weaknesses that were glaring during crunch time.

His playoff performance, while statistically solid, failed to quiet concerns about his ability to anchor a defense or serve as the second-best player on a championship-caliber roster. Those limitations may have persuaded the Knicks front office to consider rebalancing the team around their younger core and better-fitting defensive assets. With Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle still leading the offensive charge, New York appears ready to bolster their defense and backcourt versatility by pivoting from Towns.

Jrue Holiday, a former NBA champion and two-time All-Star, brings experience, toughness, and elite defense—something the Knicks severely lacked in the backcourt behind Brunson. At 35, Holiday remains one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, often guarding opposing teams’ best scorers regardless of position. His leadership and playoff pedigree would be invaluable in a locker room filled with rising talent and expectations.

Robert Williams III, when healthy, has shown flashes of being a game-changing defender and rebounder. His athleticism and timing make him an exceptional shot-blocker, and he offers a vertical lob threat that would pair well with New York’s playmaking guards. However, his injury history cannot be ignored. Limited availability has plagued his young career, and if the Knicks pull the trigger on this trade, they’ll be banking on his health in tandem with Mitchell Robinson—another center with recurring injury issues.

Trading away Pacome Dadiet may sting for fans intrigued by his potential. The French forward has shown significant promise with his length, agility, and two-way upside. Still only 18, his ceiling remains high, but his development timeline might not align with New York’s immediate championship aspirations. Portland, in contrast, is in the early stages of a rebuild and could offer Dadiet the time and minutes he needs to blossom.

Duop Reath’s inclusion as a piece going to Atlanta rounds out the deal. For the Hawks, acquiring Reath adds depth to their frontcourt and helps them manage salaries. Reath is a serviceable big man who has improved as a stretch-five, hitting threes at a decent clip and playing with high energy. He gives Atlanta an affordable and useful rotation piece as they navigate their own roster transition.

While speculative, this trade aligns with recent NBA trends where teams opt for versatility, experience, and depth over star power with specific limitations. New York’s front office has shown a willingness to make bold moves in pursuit of contention, and their run to the Eastern Conference Finals has only intensified expectations from fans and ownership alike. Head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his defensive schemes, might prefer a roster more suited to his system—one anchored by players like Holiday and Williams rather than a pure offensive talent like Towns.

Still, parting with Towns would be a gamble. His offensive skills are rare for a big man, and he is a perennial All-Star capable of taking over games. If he lands in Portland, the Blazers will suddenly boast a new identity. Pairing Towns with Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons would give them one of the most dynamic young offensive cores in the league. Dadiet could eventually evolve into a rotation mainstay or more, giving Portland a solid foundation for the future.

From a financial standpoint, the trade would also offer some cap relief and future flexibility for the Knicks. While Holiday’s contract is sizable, it expires sooner than Towns’, and the acquisition of a future first-round pick adds a strategic asset to use in future deals. It also provides an insurance policy in the event that injuries derail Williams or Robinson again.

If the trade is finalized, it would dramatically alter the trajectory of the Eastern Conference. The Knicks, already emerging as a top-four team, would potentially become even more dangerous defensively while maintaining enough offensive firepower to challenge Boston, Milwaukee, and Miami. Holiday’s arrival could unlock Brunson even further, allowing him to play off-ball in certain sets and focus on scoring rather than full-time playmaking responsibilities.

On the other hand, this trade signals a clear shift in philosophy from New York’s front office—away from star-chasing and toward building a more balanced, cohesive unit. It’s a recognition that the current era of Knicks basketball must evolve if they want to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time since 1973.

For fans, the potential departure of Towns would be bittersweet. Acquired amid fanfare, he represented the franchise’s renewed ambition to compete at the highest level. But in today’s NBA, adaptability is the key to sustained success, and this predicted trade might be the next bold step the Knicks take in pursuit of their long-awaited championship. Whether it materializes or not, one thing is clear: the Knicks aren’t done making noise.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Madison Square Garden—not just to see who’s arriving, but who’s leaving, and what it all means for the future of Knicks basketball.