NEW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns is not pleased that the New York Knicks will no longer discuss contract extensions with players.
Towns, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are eligible for extensions right now.
“It was news to me,” Towns said. “Very disappointed to say the least. Let’s state the obvious: It’s business, but there is business on the court for us to handle.”
The Knicks announced on October 9 that the franchise would not negotiate contract extensions until later in the season.
New York’s front office is led by James Dolan and Leon Rose.
“As an organization, our entire focus is on preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of,” the Knicks said in a statement. “As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season.”
The Knicks open the regular season at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. They will raise their 2025-26 championship banner.
“I never thought we would get to that point,” Towns said. “But I think right now what’s best for our team is we just focus on the basketball.”
Knicks Have Offered KAT $200 Million Over 4 Years
The Knicks, who won the championship last season against the San Antonio Spurs, have offered Towns $200 million over four years.
Towns is eligible for a $277 million extension.
Dolan has frequently said he plans to stay out of the second apron.
“We’re all humans,” Towns said. “My only philosophy since we won, the only thing I’ve had in my mind, is about how do we win another one. So for me it’s the same focus that I came in this season with: How do we keep the trophy in New York past just this one summer?”
Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby will be eligible for extensions next offseason, while Towns, Hart, McBride and Kolek are eligible for new deals through June 30, 2027.
Towns Has Been Excellent With Knicks
New York acquired Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves before the 2024-25 season.
Towns is averaging 22.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game in the regular season and 18.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs as a member of the Knicks.
A six-time All-Star, Towns made the All-NBA Third Team in his first season with the Knicks.
New York beat the Atlanta Hawks, 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to the 2026 NBA Finals, a series Towns and Co. won in five games against San Antonio.
The 2015-16 Rookie of the Year with the Timberwolves, Towns has career averages of 22.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in the regular season and 18.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He turns 31 in November.
It will be fascinating to see how this situation plays out between Towns and the Knicks.
KAT doesn’t have a no-trade clause, so he could be traded this season.
