Karl-Anthony Towns says dropping weight is good for his knees, and the reigning NBA champion adds that it 'keeps me young'. The New York Knicks big man revealed the reason behind his slimmer frame at Media Day ahead of the 2026-27 season.

'It's good for my body, my knees,' Towns said. 'And it keeps me young.' He won the NBA title with the Knicks in June, and the change looked more dramatic than in any previous year.

Why Towns Slims Down Every Summer

He slims down every summer after adding mass during the season. 'I always lose a lot of the weight,' he said. 'I put on a lot of weight for the season.'

That goes against the grain, since players often lose weight once training camp begins. Tim Duncan was among the veteran big men who adjusted their weight as they aged, a strategy Towns is now following. Towns turned 30 in November.

The 7-footer was listed at 248 pounds during the championship season. Towns did not reveal the specific numbers behind his weight loss. His coach has not checked them either.

Speed Gains and Strength Risks

The benefits of a lighter frame are injury prevention and quickness. The pitfalls include reduced strength and power for battling in the paint. Coach Mike Brown noted that strength, speed and quickness are always talked about in sports.

Brown was informed that Towns dropped weight, but he has not checked Towns' weight or body fat percentage. 'So whatever his body needs to be to optimize those things, that's what I have faith him and our performance staff will do for us,' he said.

What Research Says About Athletes

A review on weight management for athletes and active individuals, available through PubMed Central, says energy restriction cannot be too severe, or lean tissue is lost. Active people who diet also want to preserve lean tissue.

Energy balance is a dynamic process, with changes on the intake side able to affect the expenditure side even without any intentional effort. Numerous factors work together to influence body weight.

Athletes who need to lose weight benefit from a supportive team, including a coach, sports medicine team and sport dietitian. The dietitian can help make daily meal plans and ensure the athlete is fuelled for the sport.

A low energy density diet of high-fibre, high-water and low-fat foods is highlighted. This allows a greater volume of food, increasing fullness while reducing energy intake. It helps athletes reach body-weight goals.

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Muscala Faces the Opposite Problem

Mike Muscala, who is 6ft 11in, faced the opposite challenge of keeping the weight he already carries. He said he weighed about 238 pounds and learned the goal was to get stronger and more versatile, not simply heavier.

Sports nutritionist Marie Spano gave him sample meals as a base. Muscala said 'the biggest thing I learned from her was when to eat'. Breakfast and the meal after games are the most important times.

'I have to eat breakfast, and if I don't, my metabolism just isn't working and it's not good for me,' he said. He added that it is better to eat something than not, even if it is not the healthiest option.

Contract Talks Add Pressure

'My wife thought I look good,' added Towns, who is navigating stagnated contract-extension negotiations with the Knicks. This is the final season of his deal before a 2027-28 player option.

Discussing whether he was comfortable with the talks, Towns said 'there's no comfortability to be had'. The Knicks open their title defence against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20, with Brown confirming Towns' playmaking role will continue.

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