When the New York Knicks brought in Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, seeing his 13000+ points, fans believed he could be the final piece to push them over the top. And for a while, it looked that way. Towns delivered an All-Star season and was one of the team’s most reliable players with an average of 24.4 points. Even though the Knicks fell short of the NBA Finals, his impact was undeniable. Still, with recent reports swirling, it seems the 29-year-old’s time in New York could be nearing its end.

This comes after the New York center recently raised some concerns over his role within the starting five for the upcoming season. Towns seemed a bit lost when the reporters asked him about how we can expect him to play under the newly appointed head coach, Mike Brown. “Honestly, I don’t know,” he said. “We’re figuring it out, but honestly, I just don’t know. It’s just different. We’re still figuring it out.” With the new season just a few days away, this statement from someone like him raised multiple eyebrows.

The topic reached far and wide, and former NBA star Blake Griffin gave his take on Karl-Anthony Towns’ unexpected answer. While chatting on the Run It Back show, the former Clippers forward said, “It’s obviously, clearly not a very good sign.” The former NBA forward emphasized that this shouldn’t be happening while suggesting that KAT will figure it out. Nonetheless, DeMarcus Cousins further suggested it could be the trade rumors that prompted the big man to give such a statement.

“Might be some truth to the rumors,” Cousins highlighted. Ever since the Knicks have been reported to be favorites to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, several players have been linked to a move to Milwaukee, especially Karl-Anthony Towns. That’s because the 29-year-old is one of the few New York stars who might interest the Bucks.

KAT’s statement led him to receive a stern trade warning from these analysts, as Blake Griffin lightened the mood by saying that if he’s unhappy with his role in the Big Apple, things won’t be too bright for KAT in Milwaukee. The former Clippers star said, “If he didn’t like his role in New York, he’s going to hate Milwaukee,” before bursting into laughter.

Nonetheless, jokes apart, there seems to be something seriously wrong in New York, as it’s uncommon for a team’s superstar player to come out and say he doesn’t know his role with the new season at the door. Now, is this a small bump along the way or something the Knicks’ supporters should worry about? Well, no one truly knows, but Mike Brown has provided everyone with a small sigh of relief.

Mike Brown clears the air around Karl-Anthony Towns’ statement

While it’s only obvious for a player to take some time to adjust to a new coaching style, especially when the franchise is transitioning from a slow-paced offense to a fast-paced one, it’s not something that should be said out loud just days before the new season. Nonetheless, New York Knicks HC Mike Brown took it upon himself to elaborate on this unusual situation. “First thing is, it’s going to be a process, especially with him missing the last couple of games,” Brown said.

“His learning curve is the steepest because he has to learn all five positions. But the one thing it’s going to do for him is it’s going to move him around. He’s not always going to be at the top of the floor. He’ll be in the strong corner, he’ll be in the weak corner, he can be the push man, or he can be the weak wing. And also he can be at the top of the key and in the dunker [position]. This will help him, the movement.” Brown further explained.

While KAT’s versatility will be tested, this isn’t the first time that Brown has spoken on these lines. The former Sacramento coach has previously also emphasized his plans to make Karl-Anthony Towns a diverse player and play him at multiple positions. Now, will this plan work or backfire?

We’ll have to wait and watch throughout the season, as it will take some time before we or even KAT understands his new role. But the good thing is that the duo will have plenty of time to figure things out as the new season awaits them.