yardbarker
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns has expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's decision to freeze contract extension discussions just before the 2026-27 NBA season begins. The reigning champions had previously put a four-year, $200 million offer on the table, but Towns was actually eligible for a maximum extension of $276 million.
On Friday, the Knicks announced they would be tabling all extension talks with eligible players. Towns, who holds a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season, could become an unrestricted free agent by declining that option. He faced an October 19 deadline to make that decision and remain eligible to negotiate an extension during the season.
"It was news to me," Towns told reporters after Sunday's practice. "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 six-time All-Star admitted he hasn't thought far ahead about his contract situation. "Because I never thought we would get to that point," he said. "But I think right now what's best for our team is we just focus on the basketball."
Towns is set to earn $57 million this season as part of a four-year, $220 million deal. The Knicks released a statement on Friday explaining their decision to halt negotiations. "As an organization, our entire focus is preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of," the statement read. "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."
Towns acknowledged that the statement affected him, but he is trying to keep his attention on helping New York capture a second consecutive championship. "We're all humans," he 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?"
During the Knicks' playoff run last season, Towns averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 19 games, serving as a complementary piece alongside NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson. In the regular season, he posted averages of 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Towns, who turns 31 next month, is entering his third season with the Knicks after spending his first nine NBA seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Originally reported by yardbarker.