Karl-Anthony Towns walked into Madison Square Garden Training Center on Monday morning as a champion and openly conceded the awkward part of his situation: he has no contract past next season, and the two sides are not close.
“There’s no comfortability to be had,” the Knicks centre told reporters when asked whether he could set the negotiations aside for the season.
Later in the session, Towns spelled out where he stands.
“I’ve made it known that I want to play here; I’ve been a fan since a kid. I would like to get one done. I’d like to get it done and step on the floor and feel as comfortable as possible.”
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The 30-year-old is eligible for a four-year extension worth up to roughly $276 million and has been able to sign it since early August. ESPN reported last week that the sides are “tens of millions of dollars apart” and that a deal before camp opens is considered unlikely.
What the Knicks are actually offering
New York has floated deals that start in the $45-50 million-a-year range, according to Ian Begley of SNY. Towns is set to earn about $57 million this season and holds a player option worth roughly $61 million for 2027-28. Signing at the Knicks’ number would mean an immediate pay cut.
Owner James Dolan’s directive is public knowledge: stay below the NBA’s second apron. New York already let Mitchell Robinson leave for the Boston Celtics this summer for the same reason, a decision Towns said blindsided him.
“I was very surprised that Mitch wasn’t going to be back here with us. I think all of us were, so it was a surprise to everybody.”
The championship context
The Knicks won their first NBA title since 1973 in June, closing out the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Towns averaged 15.9 points and 10.6 rebounds through the playoff run, second only to Finals MVP Jalen Brunson in postseason scoring.
Brunson, Josh Hart and Miles McBride are also extension-eligible over the coming months, with Brunson himself in line for a four-year extension of up to about $257 million next year. Every dollar committed to Towns tightens what New York can offer the rest of the core.
“There’s been plenty of conversations with KAT, all cordial, all positive,” a league source told ESPN. “We want KAT to be here for a long time. And just because a deal isn’t done now doesn’t mean it can’t get done.”
Free agency in 2027 looms
If no extension is signed, Towns can decline his 2027-28 player option and reach unrestricted free agency next summer. The extension deadline is 30 June 2027.
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