Quick Read
- Karl-Anthony Towns was named a 2026 NBA All-Star Game reserve on February 1.
- This marks his sixth career All-Star selection and third consecutive.
- He joins Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson, who is a starter for the Eastern Conference.
- Towns is averaging 20.0 points and 11.8 rebounds through 45 games this season.
- His All-Star nod comes days before the February 5 NBA trade deadline amid speculation about his future with the Knicks.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – New York Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns has been named an NBA All-Star reserve for the 2026 game, a significant nod that arrives just days before the league’s crucial trade deadline. The announcement on Sunday, February 1, confirms Towns’ sixth career All-Star selection and his third consecutive, placing him alongside teammate Jalen Brunson, who was named a starter for the Eastern Conference squad. This recognition comes amidst intensified speculation about Towns’ long-term future with the Knicks, fueled by his reported offensive struggles this season and the team’s strategic considerations ahead of the February 5 deadline.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ All-Star Selection and Performance
Despite what some reports describe as a regression across various statistical categories, Towns, 30, secured his spot among the Eastern Conference reserves through votes cast by the league’s head coaches. Through 45 games this season, he has averaged 20.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 31.6 minutes per contest. While these numbers are robust, they represent a decline in points, rebounds, and assists compared to his performance last year. His efficiency has also seen a dip, with Towns shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three-point range.
Towns will join other notable Eastern Conference reserves, including Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers, Norman Powell of the Miami Heat, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors, and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons. The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for February 15 at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Trade Deadline Speculation Surrounding Towns
The All-Star selection for Karl-Anthony Towns occurs as the New York Knicks approach what is being called one of their most important NBA trade deadlines this century. With owner James Dolan reportedly expecting an NBA Finals appearance, the Knicks’ decision-makers, led by President Leon Rose, are navigating various options. Multiple league sources indicate that New York is likely to make only marginal moves before the deadline, focusing on bigger targets like Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo either now or in the offseason.
However, Towns’ name has surfaced in trade discussions. According to The Athletic, some league executives do not believe Towns is ‘off limits’ for a potential trade before Thursday’s deadline. There are reports of lingering ‘hard feelings’ with Towns stemming from the Knicks’ previous summer talks with the Bucks regarding Antetokounmpo. Furthermore, Towns has not received an extension despite being eligible, contrasting with Mikal Bridges, who was extended last summer.
The Knicks have reportedly played some of their best basketball this season when Towns has been off the floor or struggling offensively, though his rebounding has been exceptional. If Towns were to be moved in a deal not involving Antetokounmpo, the expected return would primarily be salary-matching players and potentially minor draft compensation, as reported by The Athletic.
Knicks’ Broader Strategic Outlook
The Knicks’ approach to the trade deadline is complex, balancing immediate contention goals with long-term roster construction. While Towns is considered a valuable asset, his current contract situation and performance metrics have led to him being placed in a tier of players who ‘could get traded, but I wouldn’t bet on it’ by some analysts. This indicates that while a move is not considered probable, it is not entirely off the table, particularly if the right opportunity arises.
The team’s financial situation also plays a role, with decisions looming on other key players’ contracts, such as Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride. The Knicks are reportedly close to the second apron, limiting their flexibility to take on more salary than they send out in trades. These factors collectively create a dynamic environment where an All-Star selection for a key player like Towns adds another layer of intrigue to the team’s critical trade deadline decisions.
The confluence of Karl-Anthony Towns’ All-Star recognition, despite a statistical dip, and the intense trade discussions surrounding him just days before the deadline, underscores the nuanced nature of player valuation in the modern NBA, where potential, market dynamics, and team objectives often outweigh raw seasonal averages.