In just two days, the New York Knicks have pretty much dissolved into chaos thanks to Karl-Anthony Towns‘ trade. Of course, after the initial shock and KAT’s “…” cryptic message to the community, it finally looked like things could maybe work out after the situation calmed down. However, the trade hasn’t officially been completed yet! ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne updated the progress and clarified the intent on all sides, with the only catch that players are unavailable for media day. But it seems like things aren’t that simple.

The first concern when the news broke was ‘how’ the ‘Big Apple’ would go through with the deal. Both the Knicks and Wolves are above the first apron. But that’s where the Charlotte Hornets come in. With their help on the financial side, the deal could finally go through. Right? Just not yet. Per senior NBA insider, Bobby Marks, he posted, “This trade has a lot of moving parts,” after Shelburne affirmed that the deal “is still on track.”

“Because New York is over the first apron, they cannot take back more money in the trade and will need to send out an additional $8.8M in salary.” The Hornets, who were initially set to receive ‘draft compensation’ (undecided), and DaQuan Jeffries, however, are currently $16 million under the luxury tax. So, ideally, this shouldn’t be a problem for the franchise that could seriously aid this deal. After all, they are financially eligible to receive four players who could become stable at Charlotte amid their goal of rebuilding.

But how exactly will this work out? Sign-and-trade. “Besides Keita Bates-Diop ($2.6M), New York has DaQuan Jeffries, Duane Washington Jr. and Charlie Brown Jr. available for a sign-and-trade. Jeffries, Washington Jr. and Brown Jr. are eligible because they finished the season on the New York roster. A sign-and-trade has to be a minimum of three season, with only the first year guaranteed,” Marks further added in his X update.

Considering that sign-and-trade requires only one year to be guaranteed, it provides further flexibility in maneuvering the risky CBA rules that can really restrict ambitious agendas, if overlooked. Interestingly, this comes amid New York’s willingness to “take calls” for the trade of a longtime veteran.

Karl-Anthony Towns trade might see the BIG exit of Mitchell Robinson

KAT’s arrival would effectively take care of the Knicks’ center duties, albeit at the cost of the longest-tenured New York veteran. The only home that the Knicks’ 2018 second-round pick knows is NYC. According to Knicks insider, Kris Pursiainen, the NY side’s front office has been “receiving and taking calls,” related to the injured center.

The often-injured 7-footer has had a terrible 2023-24 season. A fractured ankle in December saw Robinson miss 50 straight games. Although the 26-year-old returned for the playoffs, one skirmish with Joel Embiid in the opening round and Robinson was back on the injury report, having re-aggravated his ankle.

And everyone looking forward to the big man’s return got an early update – he was once again out because of an ankle injury, with a potential December-January return! Needless to say, it was disappointing.

In an unexpected social media post from the star, he also triggered the fanbase. It was a throwback image of their 2020-21 roster, with all the players color-graded black and white for obvious reasons. The longest-serving member on the current roster went on to write, “I’m really a great vibe. Longest Knick. Risking my body to get the job done really paid off.” The timing of which, however, didn’t sit right with many, as a fan called him “insecure and childish” while others pointed out his injury proneness.

With Isaiah Hartenstein also leaving in free agency, Mitchell Robinson’s absence had left them with a gaping hole in the center position. One they managed to seal with Karl-Anthony Towns. Anyway, keep checking this space for more updates as they come in because we are not done with this. Not by a mile.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.