sports
New York — Knicks, Towns Extension Talks at Standstill
Contract extension talks between the New York Knicks and center Karl-Anthony Towns have stalled, and a deal is considered unlikely before training camp opens next week, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania and Vincent Goodwill on Wednesday.
What happened to the Knicks-Towns extension talks?
The two sides spent much of the offseason discussing a potential extension but have seen no recent movement in negotiations, according to ESPN. The standstill comes as the Knicks prepare to defend their first NBA title in 53 years, having beaten the San Antonio Spurs in five games in last season's Finals.
How much money is on the table for Towns?
Towns, who turns 31 in mid-November, is eligible for an extension worth up to four years and $273 million, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. No figures for the Knicks' actual offer, or for any counterproposal from Towns' side, were disclosed in the report.
Why are the Knicks hesitant to extend Towns?
Knicks owner James Dolan has repeatedly said he wants to keep the team out of the NBA's punitive second luxury-tax apron, a stance that has already shaped the roster. Backup center Mitchell Robinson was among the players the team moved on from under that directive, per ESPN, underscoring the financial constraints hanging over any new deal for Towns.
What has Towns done for the Knicks?
Towns has been an All-Star in each of his two seasons in New York. He averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 55% shooting through last season's playoffs, helping the Knicks post a 16-3 postseason record en route to the championship.
By the numbers
- Max extension eligibility: four years, $273 million (ESPN's Bobby Marks)
- Playoff averages: 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists on 55% shooting
- Postseason record: 16-3, capped by a five-game Finals win over San Antonio
- Age: turns 31 in mid-November
What's next for New York and Towns?
Training camp opens next week, and no agreement is expected before players report, according to the sources who spoke with ESPN. The Knicks enter the season as defending champions looking to repeat, with Towns' long-term status now an open question rather than a settled piece of that plan.
What to watch
- Whether Towns addresses his contract status publicly once camp opens
- Any indication the Knicks shift offers to stay below the second apron
- Whether talks resume once the regular season begins or wait until next offseason
- How Towns performs on a expiring or extension-eligible deal amid the uncertainty
The Knicks' pursuit of a repeat title comes with rising local demand — the team released single-game tickets after ending its championship drought, a sign of the stakes surrounding this roster as camp opens with Towns' future unresolved.
Full reporting: ESPN
Questions
How much could Karl-Anthony Towns' extension with the Knicks be worth?
Towns is eligible for up to four years and $273 million, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Why have the Knicks and Towns not reached a deal?
ESPN reports talks have stalled with no recent movement, and owner James Dolan has said he wants to keep the team below the NBA's second luxury-tax apron, a factor that already led the Knicks to part with center Mitchell Robinson.
How did Karl-Anthony Towns perform for the Knicks last season?
He averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 55% shooting through the playoffs as New York went 16-3 and won the NBA title over San Antonio.