The New York Knicks' mercurial big Karl-Anthony Towns is open to a future move to NBA Europe, should it come to fruition.
Towns was one of the players who spoke to The Athletic on the subject of NBA players considering their futures in NBA Europe, and it looks like the five-time NBA All-Star wouldn't mind plying his trade there.
Here's what he had to say: "I would (consider playing in NBA Europe). I would. I really, I love international basketball, love playing FIBA basketball as well. Obviously, not better than playing in the NBA. But it would be pretty cool to even see that get off the ground and actually operate. But, possibly, one day to be part of that would be pretty cool."
Towns isn't the only player open to this move, as the Houston Rockets' Reed Sheppard and Memphis Grizzlies' Jaylen Wells are among other NBA players who have responded positively to the idea. European-born players like Egor Demin, Kyshawn George, and Yanic Konan Niederhäuser were more enthused than others about the idea, while Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, opted for sticking with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA.
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If and when NBA Europe materializes, Towns would be a massive pull for the league, both in on- and off-court reputation. The mercurial frontcourt player has spent 11 seasons in the league, making a name for himself as one of the most uniquely skilled big men in NBA history, known for his perimeter shooting, footwork and ball-handling.
Towns, along with the Denver Nuggers' Nikola Jokic, started the trend of the league adapting to centers who can shoot from beyond the 3-point line, and remains the only 7-footer besides from Dirk Nowitzki to have won the NBA 3-point contest. While Towns has given approval to consider joining NBA Europe in the future, his current focus would be on helping the Knicks pip the Celtics and the Pistons to the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
As per latest reports, the NBA has been working on introducing a new league in Europe in conjunction with FIBA, but key details for this venture are yet to be finalized. The current model being explored includes a 16-team league, with 12 fixed spots and four teams coming through qualifying. This project is being run in parallel to the proposed extension of the NBA in the USA, for which commissioner Adam Silver has called Seattle and Las Vegas the "obvious favorites."