New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Karl-Anthony Towns is trying to work with the Knicks on hammering out a contract extension. The problem is that the defending NBA champs don’t seem as willing.
ESPN’s Malika Andrews reported on Wednesday that the All-Star big man is willing to take a pay cut, but the Knicks’ offer has been deemed “unreasonable,” which certainly creates a bit of awkwardness heading into the 2026-27 season.
Towns is eligible for a four-year, $276 million max extension, but Knicks president Leon Rose has been given the edict by owner James Dolan not to blow past the second apron.
Given how far apart the two parties are in negotiations, it seems highly unlikely that a deal will be worked out before the season opener on Oct. 20. In most cases, players will put contract negotiations on hold during the season in an attempt to solely focus on basketball.
Still, the distraction exists, and Towns struggled with a similar one last year when he was the subject of constant trade rumors.
“I made it known I want to play here. I’ve been a fan since I was young. I would like to get one done, of course,” Towns said. “Obviously, I would like to get it done so I can feel as comfortable as possible.”
He can become a free agent following this season should he decline the $61 million player option on his current contract.
Towns’ willingness to take a pay cut is a significant showing of good faith toward the Knicks organization, even if the other side of such a decision carries its fair share of uncertainties.
Superstar guard and Finals MVP Jalen Brunson famously took a $113 million pay cut to ensure a championship contender could be built around him. He fully expects to be compensated when he is eligible for an extension next summer.
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