Chicago Bulls named potential destination for Karl-Anthony Towns amid contract controversy

The NBA season is set to begin as we’re just days away from opening night.

The new-look Chicago Bulls will travel to Canada on Wednesday to face off against the Toronto Raptors, followed by another road game in Milwaukee next Friday. This is a real chance for Chicago to get off on the right foot.

During the off-season, the Bulls made a plethora of moves in an attempt to improve the roster. They signed All-Star guard Norman Powell, traded for Buddy Hield, and drafted a potential superstar in Caleb Wilson. Another move they made that went under the radar was acquiring center Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets. Claxton is a defensive-minded big who snatches rebounds at a high rate and could be an intriguing part of this young core.

However, there’s another name that could hit the market soon. New York Knicks superstar Karl-Anthony Towns is in the midst of a contract dispute, as he’s looking for a massive extension following his impressive championship run.

Bleacher Report’s Paul Kasabian wrote a story yesterday on the potential destinations for Towns and listed the Chicago Bulls as one of those teams.

“Only a few possible suitors stand out to me right now in terms of cap space teams and fit. Chicago and the Clippers have the cleanest path,” an anonymous executive told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “The Nets can get there with the money, but that’s not a good fit. Golden State and Dallas could get around [$50 million] in space with more tinkering.”

Kasabian also wrote, “Towns has a $61 million player option for next season, but according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the player option must be eliminated and replaced with the first year of the extension if he signs after that date.

Karl-Anthony Towns listed as potential trade target for the Chicago Bulls

The thought of Karl-Anthony Towns joining this young team is surely interesting. He’d immediately become the best player on the squad, but a trade for him would cost the Bulls some talent.

He’s been a very productive NBA starter since he joined the league in 2015.

Not only has he become one of the association’s best rebounders, but he’s also solidified himself as one of the best shooting big men of all time. Over his 11-year career, Towns has made three All-NBA teams and been named an All-Star six times.

KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS.

pic.twitter.com/y4lVJ296J4

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 27, 2025

His production has only gotten better since joining the Knicks in 2024. He was an essential part of their championship team last season, averaging 20 points per game to go along with 12 rebounds. His defensive prowess is also another overlooked part of his game.

Chicago Bulls: What would a trade for Karl-Anthony Towns look like?

While it’s still unlikely (at this point) that the Knicks will deal him, it’s worth watching. From a salary standpoint, the Chicago Bulls make sense. But does he fit their long-term plans? Towns will turn 31 next month, and may not be worth the package New York wants for him.

I assume they’d want Claxton, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and some draft capital as well. It would be a stretch for the Bulls to include a guy like Josh Giddey or Matas Buzelis. The longer this saga goes on, the better for potential suitors.

Even in a stacked Eastern Conference, the addition of Towns could propel the Bulls right into playoff contention.

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