Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns did not hide his disappointment on Sunday when asked about Nix‘ statement from two days before, trans James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.
“It was news to me” Towns said. “Very disappointed to say the least. Let’s state the obvious: it’s a business, but there are things we have to do on the court.”
New York announced on Friday that it is in full contract negotiations with players eligible for extensions through the end of the 2026-27 season.
This statement appeared to be largely a response to Townes, who admitted last Monday that he was frustrated with the Knicks’ contract extension talks, telling reporters that he and the team weren’t close to reaching a deal and that he was surprised that there was such a big rift between the two sides after a championship season.
Reports, including one from Edwards today, indicate New York’s offer to Towns is four years and $200 million. The star center, who will earn $57.1 million in 2026/27 and has a $61 million player option for 27/28, is eligible for a max extension is projected $276 million over four years. He is said to be willing to take less than his maximum, but he and the Knicks have come nowhere close to a compromise.
In order to agree a season extension, Towns must waive his player option for the 2027/28 season. He said Sunday that he hadn’t thought about that possibility because he didn’t think the talks would last that long, according to Edwards (Twitter references). However, Towns reiterated that he is focused on the season, even if he is unhappy with the situation.
Josh Hart and Miles McBride there is also publicly said they would like to extend his contract with the Knicks, but no deals have been reached. Hart said Saturday that he “not really too stressed» in connection with the team’s decision to postpone negotiations.
Team owner James Dolan‘s mandate that the Knicks stay out of the second tax bracket has complicated their various contract negotiations.
