The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks could pursue Karl-Anthony Towns with significant offers if the New York Knicks center enters free agency in 2027, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Towns’ future has become a talking point after the Knicks paused contract extension negotiations with the six-time All-Star. Windhorst reported on Friday, October 16, that rival teams are monitoring the situation and believe several outcomes could emerge depending on New York’s financial plans and Towns’ decision.
“The Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers and Atlanta Hawks” are among the teams that “would probably line up to make big offers” if Towns opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent, Windhorst reported.
Towns holds a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season and is eligible for a four-year, $276 million extension. He averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 75 regular-season games in 2025-26, helping New York win its first NBA championship since 1973.
The Knicks could retain Towns if he exercises his player option or agrees to a long-term extension that gives the team greater financial flexibility. However, Windhorst reported that allowing Towns to enter free agency could open approximately $40 million in cap space for New York to reshape its roster around Jalen Brunson.
Golden State could have the greatest financial flexibility among the potential suitors. Its projected cap space for the summer of 2027 is approximately $50 million to $67 million, depending on roster decisions and other contract arrangements.
The Clippers are also positioned to pursue a major addition, with projected cap space of approximately $50 million to $56 million. However, their financial flexibility would be affected by the contracts of Darius Garland and Brandon Ingram.
Atlanta could have approximately $37 million to $54 million available, depending on its roster decisions and the final salary commitments entering the offseason. The Hawks have been building around a younger core and could view Towns as an opportunity to add an established star.
The Clippers were previously identified as a potential destination by an anonymous NBA executive quoted by the New York Post, who also mentioned the Chicago Bulls as a team with a clear financial path to pursuing Towns. The executive cited Golden State and Dallas as other teams that could create around $50 million in cap space with additional moves.
