NBA
I’M LEAVING: NY Knicks Power Forward Karl-Anthony Towns Officially Announces His Departure Citing Both Personal And Professional Reasons.
I’M LEAVING: NY Knicks Power Forward Karl-Anthony Towns Officially Announces His Departure Citing Both Personal and Professional Reasons.
In a stunning development that sent shockwaves through the NBA community, New York Knicks power forward Karl-Anthony Towns has officially announced his departure from the team, citing a combination of personal and professional reasons. The announcement came late Friday evening during a press conference held at Madison Square Garden, where Towns expressed gratitude for his time in New York while explaining his decision to step away.
Towns, who joined the Knicks in a blockbuster trade last offseason, was expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise alongside point guard Jalen Brunson and forward RJ Barrett. His arrival brought high hopes for a team that had been making steady progress under head coach Tom Thibodeau. However, after just one season in the Big Apple, Towns has decided to part ways with the organization.
“This was not an easy decision,” Towns said. “I’ve loved my time here in New York, and I’ll forever be grateful to the Knicks organization, my teammates, and the fans. But there comes a time when you have to prioritize what’s best for yourself, both personally and professionally.”
While he declined to elaborate on the specific reasons behind his decision, Towns mentioned that his departure is rooted in a desire to address personal challenges and reassess his career trajectory. “This is about taking a step back to focus on things that matter most to me right now,” he added.
The Knicks acquired Towns in a high-profile trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, hoping his versatility, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess would elevate the team to championship contention. While Towns showed flashes of brilliance during the 2024-25 season, the Knicks struggled to find consistency, finishing with a disappointing 41-41 record and missing the playoffs.
Towns averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in his lone season with the Knicks. Despite his individual success, rumors of tension in the locker room and disagreements over the team’s direction surfaced throughout the season, potentially contributing to his decision to leave.
Towns’ departure leaves a significant void in the Knicks’ roster and raises questions about the franchise’s future. Team president Leon Rose issued a statement following the announcement, expressing support for Towns while emphasizing the team’s commitment to moving forward.
“We respect Karl’s decision and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his life and career. While this is a setback, we remain dedicated to building a competitive team,” Rose said.
As for Towns, he declined to reveal his immediate plans, stating only that he will take time to reflect before deciding his next steps in basketball or beyond. Knicks fans, meanwhile, are left wondering what could have been and hoping the team can recover from the loss of one of the league’s premier big men.
Though his time in New York was brief, Towns’ departure underscores the complexities of the modern NBA, where personal priorities and professional ambitions often collide. For now, fans and analysts alike will await Towns’ next move, eager to see how this surprising decision shapes the trajectory of his career.
