Michael Kaskey-Blomain•Add The Sporting News on GoogleLast year when the New York Knicks were eliminated from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference finals, head coach Tom Thibodeau was the scapegoat. This year it could be Karl-Anthony Towns. According to a report from Vincent Goodwill of ESPN, the Knicks could look to trade Towns over the offseason if they fall host in the postseason again. Towns has two years remaining on his current contract, including a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season. "Executives around the league believe Towns would be the key to the Knicks chances to topple the conference favorites. If they can't, many front office members around the league also believe New York will survey the market for Towns trades this summer," Goodwill wrote. "Is Towns' game in decline or is he just being underutilized? Is Towns a Knick for life or a placeholder for the next star angling to play at Madison Square Garden? There has always been smoke around Towns and his future with the Knicks. And this summer, expect it to billow." This story will be updated. More NBA news: New report casts major doubt on Steve Kerr's future with Golden State WarriorsAdam Silver drops major hint about LeBron James' NBA futureWhy Cleveland Cavaliers could try to trade Donovan Mitchell over the offseasonLeBron James' feelings regarding retirement tour revealedDraymond Green reveals the one NBA defender he would pick over himself ENJOYED THIS STORY?Add Sporting News as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingAdd as preferred source on GoogleMichael Kaskey-BlomainMichael Kaskey-Blomain is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is an experienced sportswriter and media member with over a decade in the industry. He has covered the NBA and NFL for a variety of outlets, including CBS Sports, 247 Sports, FanSided and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Michael grew up just outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Philadelphia.