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A new report claims that if Karl-Anthony Towns signs an extension with the New York Knicks, it won’t be any time soon. Does that mean the star center’s time in NYC will be much shorter than expected?
Despite their Game 5 victory to secure the 2026 NBA Championship happening close to two months ago, the Knicks organization and their supporters are still celebrating the monumental achievement. And why not? The team and their devoted fan base haven’t been able to celebrate a championship since 1973.
While several players had a major role in their title win, New York wouldn’t have reached and won the NBA Finals without some outstanding play from Towns. The six-time All-Star took his game to new heights during their epic championship run. That is why it is no surprise that he would be in favor of signing the four-year, $272 million max extension he is now eligible for.
However, according to The Athletic’s Knicks insider James L. Edwards III, it is very unlikely the organization will offer that deal despite being a key part of bringing a title back to the city for the first time in 53 years.
Jun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns reacts after receiving a key to the city from mayor Zohran Mamdani during a ceremony at New York City Hall after the championship parade. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The important thing to understand in this situation is that Towns is not in the final year of his contract. He will make $57 million next season and then has an even richer $61 million player option in 2027-28. Could he opt out of that final year in search of a long-term deal? Sure. But leaving $61 million on the table and walking away from a title contender to test a volatile free agent market is a big risk.
The Knicks know that and have the leverage right now. However, in the NBA more than any other American pro league, stars forcing trades is common. If the three-time All-NBA talent is unhappy with his contract situation, he could create problems in the locker room as he seeks out a new home to get one last big payday. That too would be understandable because athletes have a small window to max out their value.
So does that make a trade inevitable? Not necessarily, because there is a lot of time to come to an agreement on a deal that’s best for Towns and the Knicks.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (M) points to his ring finger during the trophy ceremony after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Knicks absolutely want to keep Towns. Management felt he was the missing piece for a title team, and they were right. What makes a contract in the best interest of both sides very possible is the unique group in the locker room. The team’s top star, Jalen Brunson, took a sizable discount in an extension he signed last year to give the team flexibility to improve the roster. Josh Hart also signed a more team-friendly deal two years ago.
However, they weren’t bargain-rate contracts, and both are being well paid to play on a title contender. That sacrifice is what the Knicks will ask of Towns at some point over the next year. Ownership does not want to go over the second tax apron. So the center making well over $50 million a season in an extension isn’t feasible if they want to keep this group together. An offer of four years and $180 million, or an average of $45 million annually, is something the team might offer.
Would Towns accept that deal? Maybe. To compete for another title and build a legendary legacy in the basketball capital while being paid well in the final years of his prime will have an appeal. He would also have the right to turn down that offer.
In the end, the organization has to do what it feels is right to maintain the best roster possible for the amount they want to pay. It will be up to Towns if he wants to sacrifice some money for NBA glory, and there is a very good chance he may be open to doing that at some point later this year.
Continue reading...
Despite their Game 5 victory to secure the 2026 NBA Championship happening close to two months ago, the Knicks organization and their supporters are still celebrating the monumental achievement. And why not? The team and their devoted fan base haven’t been able to celebrate a championship since 1973.
While several players had a major role in their title win, New York wouldn’t have reached and won the NBA Finals without some outstanding play from Towns. The six-time All-Star took his game to new heights during their epic championship run. That is why it is no surprise that he would be in favor of signing the four-year, $272 million max extension he is now eligible for.
However, according to The Athletic’s Knicks insider James L. Edwards III, it is very unlikely the organization will offer that deal despite being a key part of bringing a title back to the city for the first time in 53 years.
Is a Karl-Anthony Towns trade now inevitable?
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Jun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns reacts after receiving a key to the city from mayor Zohran Mamdani during a ceremony at New York City Hall after the championship parade. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The important thing to understand in this situation is that Towns is not in the final year of his contract. He will make $57 million next season and then has an even richer $61 million player option in 2027-28. Could he opt out of that final year in search of a long-term deal? Sure. But leaving $61 million on the table and walking away from a title contender to test a volatile free agent market is a big risk.
The Knicks know that and have the leverage right now. However, in the NBA more than any other American pro league, stars forcing trades is common. If the three-time All-NBA talent is unhappy with his contract situation, he could create problems in the locker room as he seeks out a new home to get one last big payday. That too would be understandable because athletes have a small window to max out their value.
So does that make a trade inevitable? Not necessarily, because there is a lot of time to come to an agreement on a deal that’s best for Towns and the Knicks.
What could the NY Knicks offer KAT in an extension?
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Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (M) points to his ring finger during the trophy ceremony after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Knicks absolutely want to keep Towns. Management felt he was the missing piece for a title team, and they were right. What makes a contract in the best interest of both sides very possible is the unique group in the locker room. The team’s top star, Jalen Brunson, took a sizable discount in an extension he signed last year to give the team flexibility to improve the roster. Josh Hart also signed a more team-friendly deal two years ago.
However, they weren’t bargain-rate contracts, and both are being well paid to play on a title contender. That sacrifice is what the Knicks will ask of Towns at some point over the next year. Ownership does not want to go over the second tax apron. So the center making well over $50 million a season in an extension isn’t feasible if they want to keep this group together. An offer of four years and $180 million, or an average of $45 million annually, is something the team might offer.
Would Towns accept that deal? Maybe. To compete for another title and build a legendary legacy in the basketball capital while being paid well in the final years of his prime will have an appeal. He would also have the right to turn down that offer.
In the end, the organization has to do what it feels is right to maintain the best roster possible for the amount they want to pay. It will be up to Towns if he wants to sacrifice some money for NBA glory, and there is a very good chance he may be open to doing that at some point later this year.
Continue reading...
