Towns 'disappointed' as Knicks table extension talks — SkimNews
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- Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters the decision to table extension talks was "news to me" and said he was "very disappointed to say the least," though he insisted the focus should remain on the court ahead of Tuesday's game.
- The Knicks issued a Friday statement saying they "will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season" so the organization can focus on the upcoming season and delivering for fans.
- Towns is eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $276 million; per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Knicks offered $200 million over four years — a gap tied to owner James Dolan's refusal to push the team into the second salary cap apron.
- Towns helped deliver the Knicks' first NBA title in 53 years last season, earning his sixth All-Star nod and averaging 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in the playoffs.
- Towns holds a $61 million player option for next season, which he would have to decline to reopen talks during the season; he said he "never thought we would get to that point."
- The Knicks also lost backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics this summer on a deal starting at $15 million as a second-apron consequence, replacing him with Andre Drummond on a two-year, $2.4 million minimum deal; Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are also extension-eligible.
Why it matters: The Knicks' apron-driven $76 million gap between Towns' max ($276M) and their reported $200M offer puts a reigning championship core at a contractual crossroads before the season even tips, with Towns already publicly voicing frustration twice in the preseason — a rare public dispute for a team coming off its first title in 53 years.
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