A deal drifting further away
Talks between Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks have slowed to a crawl. Several sources agree there is a real sticking point. A deal before training camp opens next week looks unlikely.
Both sides have spent the summer talking, though. There is still a clear desire to keep this thing going. But recent progress has been slim. Towns, 30, is eligible for a four-year extension worth $273 million. He is set to earn $57 million this season. A $61 million player option for 2027-28 would let him hit the market next summer if he turns it down. There is no urgent deadline here: the talks could easily continue once the season starts.
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A title winner to keep together
The stand-off comes three months after the Knicks won their first NBA title in 53 years. Towns averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in the playoffs, shooting 55.1% from the field. New York backed up the run with a 16-3 postseason, finished off by a five-game win over San Antonio in the Final.
After arriving from Minnesota in October 2024, the big man has made two straight All-Star teams since joining New York. Last season he put up 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds across 75 games. Over an 11-year career, he has averaged 22.8 points and 11.1 rebounds.
A tight financial squeeze
James Dolan has drawn the line: the Knicks do not want to cross the league’s second tax apron. That threshold brings heavy restrictions on how a roster can be built. It already cost New York Mitchell Robinson, who left for Boston this summer, stripping the title winners of some of their frontcourt depth.
There are other contracts to sort out too. Josh Hart can extend now. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby will be up for new deals next summer. Mikal Bridges signed a four-year, $150 million contract in 2025. The Knicks are hoping Towns will take less than the max so they can keep some room around their title core.
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