KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS reacted angrily to the New York Knicks’ abrupt end to talks about a potential long-term contract, calling the swift end to the talks “news to me” in a statement on Sunday.
The star center, who will make $57 million in 2026-27, and is entitled to a $61.1 million player option in 2027-28, said he was surprised to see no talks with the eligible players, including him. It was a shock to me that they weren’t close to an agreement, Towns told reporters.
Sources close to the situation said that the talks have focused on an extension, nearly $200 million over four years. The Knicks, however, said Friday that they’re holding off on possible contract extensions until later in the season. This has put Towns and others in a quandary heading into the NBA season.
Josh Hart, one of those stuck in the far-reaching contract freeze, replied back, “everything will work out,” but admitted that some key players face uncertainty coming into the upcoming season. It’s a sign of the escalating feud between top players and franchises as they enter the last few years of their contracts.
His current deal is due to expire in 2026-27, which also makes his season to discuss his future with the team. With the NBA season fast nearing its end, the situation is being closely followed to see how this standoff will be resolved before the 2026-27 season begins. The Knicks have suspended all contract discussions, such as the parties’ more acrimonious interactions with Karl-Anthony Towns. The team decided to table talks four days after Towns complained that he felt there was no progress.
The big picture is that Town would qualify for one: a four-year, $276 million extension to keep him in the franchise. Although he’d willing to turn down money to stick with the New York Knicks, it’s still about what he’s willing to take versus what the organization is willing to give him. If talks don’t start soon, an agreement is unlikely as training camp is just a week away.
The deadlock has led to some uncertainty over the future direction of both Towns’ and Hart’s contracts. If they don’t secure one before opening night, it could impact on the structures of either contract, and ultimately the financial path they take for the rest of their careers. The Knicks have suspended negotiations until later in the season and as a result, many are wondering whether or not a resolution is possible before the regular season begins.
