Here is what Charlotte would likely have to give up to make Karl-Anthony Towns a Hornet

The New York Knicks are reportedly exploring potential trades involving Karl-Anthony Towns, despite his contribution to their deep playoff run. Towns could become available, possibly through a three-team deal centered on Kevin Durant or another route, with the Charlotte Hornets mentioned as a potential destination.

Acquiring Towns would be costly for Charlotte. A direct trade would require significant assets. However, a potential three-team Durant trade might reduce the Hornets' cost, though salary matching for Towns' $53.1 million contract would still be necessary. One suggested salary-matching package from Charlotte would involve Miles Bridges and the expiring contract of Jusuf Nurkic, providing New York financial relief and a replacement big man without depleting Charlotte's depth excessively. Yet, players alone wouldn't suffice.

Despite not being a top-tier All-NBA star, Towns is an elite player, commanding additional draft compensation. The estimated cost for Charlotte includes a 2027 first-round pick, a 2030 first-round pick (via Los Angeles Lakers), and a 2026 second-round pick (via Golden State Warriors) on top of the players.

The article questions whether this trade is worthwhile for Charlotte. While Towns would be an offensive upgrade over current center Mark Williams – offering superior shooting, floor spacing, rebounding, and passing – the Hornets' primary need at center is defense, an area where Towns is deficient and was exploited during the playoffs. His defensive rating (112.7), while better than Williams' 2024 rating (118.9), is not considered impactful enough to justify the steep price tag given Charlotte's specific needs.

The analysis concludes that while Towns would upgrade the team and potentially help them reach the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference, it would be a short-term move. The Hornets, needing to accumulate assets rather than trade them away, wouldn't become legitimate Finals contenders. Acquiring Towns on his expensive contract doesn't align with their long-term team-building strategy, especially if they move on from Williams.