New York Knicks Rumors: Knicks monitoring Karl-Anthony Towns, update on Marcus Morris' future and more

The New York Knicks endured a woeful 2019 offseason - and despite the front office's adamance that the team would compete for a playoff spot this season - the Knicks have been predictably bad. With half of the season now in the books, the Knicks possess an 11-31 record - and only the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks have managed fewer wins.

With the team set to miss out on the postseason for the seventh consecutive year, major changes in personal are expected over the next six months as New York attempts to return to relevance. So, with trades likely, here we will take a look at all the latest Knicks rumors you need to know ahead of the trade deadline.

#1 Knicks monitoring Karl-Anthony Towns but a deal is unlikely

Karl-Anthony Towns remains vital to Minnesota Timberwolves' future plans

The New York front office has previously outlined its plan to sign a superstar, and the team was hoping to add Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving last summer. The All-Star duo eventually snubbed the Knicks in favor of signing for the Brooklyn Nets, although Marc Berman of the New York Post is reporting that Karl-Anthony Towns is the latest superstar that the team is monitoring:

As much as the Knicks are monitoring Minnesota’s injured big man, Karl-Anthony Towns of New Jersey, he probably won’t fall into the their laps anytime soon.

Towns has established himself as an All-Star over the last two seasons, and at 24, the center appears on course to develop into one of the NBA's best players. However, the Timberwolves have repeatedly stated their intent to build around the New Jersey native, and Towns signed a five-year, $190 million super-maximum extension with Minnesota back in September 2018.

#2 Bobby Portis is attracting trade interest

Portis joined the Knicks following a short spell with the Wizards

After spending the first four years of his career with the Chicago Bulls, Bobby Portis was traded to the Washington Wizards for the final months of the 2018-19 season - where he averaged 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds over 28 appearances. After hitting free agency, the Knicks opted to sign Portis to a two-year, $31 million deal - although the big has averaged just 21.2 minutes per contest.

With his role smaller than expected, Portis has been linked with an exit ahead of the deadline, and Ian Begley of SNY.tv is reporting that the 24-year-old is attracting plenty of interest from around the NBA:

Several teams have registered interest in Bobby Portis as we get closer to the NBA trade deadline. Portis is interesting as he is available on a short term deal, so for teams looking to boost its scoring from the bench, Portis is a potential option.

Over 42 appearances for the Knicks, Portis has averaged 10.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per contest. He has also connected with 36.8 percent of his three-point attempts - which could make him attractive option to contending teams.

#3 Marcus Morris unlikely to be traded unless the Knicks get a star in return

Marcus Morris has been New York's best performer throughout the first few months of the season

Marcus Morris joined the Knicks in controversial circumstances last summer after walking back on his initial agreement to join the San Antonio Spurs, although the 30-year-old has managed to silence his critics by putting up the best numbers of his career. Due to his resurgence, Morris has been linked with a trade to a number of contending teams, although Marc Berman is reporting that the Knicks are only willing to trade the veteran if they receive a star player in return:

According to an NBA source, some members of the front office are leaning toward holding onto Marcus Morris at the deadline — unless they get back a star-type player in a large package.

Morris will become an unrestricted free agent this summer following the expiration of his one-year, $15 million contract. Throughout the first half of the season, Morris has played 34 times, averaging 19.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per contest.