Towns Criticizes Knicks for Delaying Contract Extension Talks

Karl-Anthony Towns voiced frustration with the New York Knicks after the organization announced it would suspend contract extension negotiations until later in the season. Following Sunday's practice, the All-Star center said the decision caught him off guard, as the team balances its long-term roster plans with its pursuit of another NBA championship.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Knicks have offered Towns a four-year contract worth $200 million. Towns is eligible for an extension worth as much as $276 million, but negotiations have reached an impasse amid owner James Dolan's position that the franchise will not exceed the NBA's second salary cap apron.

Towns expressed disappointment while acknowledging that the team's immediate responsibilities remain on the court.

"It was news to me," Towns told reporters. "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 contract uncertainty follows a successful season for Towns, who helped the Knicks win their first NBA title in 53 years. He earned his sixth All-Star selection and averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists during the playoffs, according to the source report.

The Knicks announced their decision Friday, citing preparation for the upcoming season as the organization's priority. The statement indicated that negotiations would resume later in the season rather than continue during the preseason.

"As an organization, our entire focus is preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of," the Knicks said in their statement. "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 also faces a decision regarding his $61 million player option for next season. If he and the Knicks reopen extension negotiations during the season, he would need to decline that option to pursue a new deal under the circumstances described in the report.

When asked whether he had considered that possibility, Towns said he had not anticipated negotiations reaching this stage. He emphasized that the team's immediate focus should remain basketball.

"Because I never thought we would get to that point," Towns said. "But I think right now what's best for our team is we just focus on the basketball. It's going to be a fun game tomorrow."

Josh Hart is another Knicks player eligible for an extension, although his contract includes a team option for next season. Reserves Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are also eligible for new deals, leaving the organization with several contract decisions to address later in the season.

The Knicks' salary-cap approach has already affected their roster. Backup center Mitchell Robinson joined the Boston Celtics during the summer on a contract starting at $15 million, while New York signed Andre Drummond for the league minimum of $2.4 million as a replacement.

Towns said his disappointment had not changed his priorities since the team's championship victory. He described defending the title as his central objective entering the season.

"We're all humans," Towns 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?"