The New York Knicks are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season, and a big reason for that is Karl-Anthony Towns.

Even though the team didn't extend his contract before the October 20 deadline, Towns made it clear that he wants to stay in New York for a long time.

Towns Sends Message to Knicks Front Office

Before the Knicks' Tuesday night game against the Boston Celtics, Towns spoke to the media about his contract situation. His answer left no doubt about where he stands.

"Hell yeah, I want to stay here. Obviously get a chance to play at home, get to see my family…It means more than the money, you know? So just being able to be here, be with the fans, be with my family, means a lot. I would like it to continue," Towns said.

Towns also made sure everyone knew there is no bad blood between him and the front office.

He said his relationship with team president Leon Rose and senior vice president Gersson Rosas is strong and that he would have lunch with them right now if he could.

A Strong Season for Towns

The five-time All-Star has been putting up solid numbers this season for a Knicks team that currently sits at 13-7. Towns is averaging 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while playing big minutes for head coach Mike Brown.

Earlier this season, Towns reached a historic milestone when he became just the sixth player in NBA history to record 15,000 points, 7,000 rebounds, and 2,000 assists before the age of 30.

He joined legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley, Kevin Garnett, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić in reaching that mark.

Towns has been racking up double-doubles all season long, and he has become the anchor of New York's frontcourt. In the loss to Boston on Tuesday, he finished with 29 points, seven rebounds, and two assists while shooting 63 percent from the field.

Why Towns is So Important to the Knicks

The Knicks traded for Towns in October 2024, sending Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and draft picks to Minnesota in the deal.

Since then, he has helped New York reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000 and has become a key piece next to Jalen Brunson.

Towns brings a rare skill set as a 7-footer who can shoot from deep, post up, and pass out of double teams.

His ability to space the floor gives Brunson and Mikal Bridges more room to operate, and his rebounding keeps possessions alive on both ends.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo Factor

What makes Towns' comments even more interesting is the timing. Just hours after he spoke, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo asked to be traded from the Milwaukee Bucks during the offseason and that the Knicks were his preferred destination.

The Bucks reportedly called the Knicks about a potential deal, but nothing came together.

Antetokounmpo is said to have committed to finishing this season in Milwaukee, but many around the league believe he won't be a Buck next year.

If the Knicks were to land Antetokounmpo, Towns could be part of a trade package going the other way. That makes his public comments about wanting to stay even more meaningful.

The front office now knows exactly where Towns stands as they navigate what could be a wild trade season.

What's Next for Towns and the Knicks

Towns has two years and about $110 million left on his current contract with a player option for the 2027-28 season.

The Knicks and Towns can revisit extension talks after the 2026 Finals, when he would be eligible for a deal worth up to $260 million over four years.

For now, the Knicks are focused on building something special.

They host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night looking to add to their 13-7 record, and Towns will once again be at the center of everything they do.