ESPN's Stephen A. Smith called out New York Knicks owner James Dolan on Tuesday's episode of his show First Take. 

"Let me put everybody in New York on blast," he said. "[Dolan] is getting in the way again." 

Smith is referring to Dolan's hardball strategy, or even reluctance, to extend the contracts of worthy members of the Knicks who helped end the franchise's 53-year NBA championship drought in June. 

Stephen A. expressed concern over the lack of progress on new deals for Knicks president Leon Rose and executive vice president and senior basketball advisor William Wesley, who orchestrated the operation.

He also passionately discussed the recent impasse in talks between star center Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks.

That's ultimately what it boiled down to for Smith: Respect.

In two campaigns in New York, Towns has averaged 22.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and three assists over 147 regular-season games. 

During last season's championship run, he tweaked his role to become the Knicks' offensive hub—facilitating and playmaking. He averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists as the Knicks went 16-3 en route to the title. He added 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game, notching an all-time NBA playoff plus-minus record of +258. 

Yes, the Knicks don't hang up this banner without Jalen Brunson — their best player. However, they also don't win it without KAT. Both things can be true. Smith wants Towns to be acknowledged as such. Towns wants the same thing. 

"I'm not gonna say that [Towns] deserves the max," Smith said. "I understand that you have [Brunson] and [OG] Anunoby coming down the pipe. But you don't disrespect that man by cutting him short $76 million. You don't do that." 

Dolan has reiterated that he is not willing to entertain the second apron of the luxury tax.

As a result, he needs players to take 'team-friendly' deals such as the one Brunson took in 2024, leaving over $100 million on the table. 

Of course, Brunson will likely get his dues when his next extension rolls around. However, it is unreasonable to expect everyone to do the same thing. What makes this even worse optically is that Towns is willing to take less money to keep the Knicks together, but Dolan has to compromise.

KAT is eligible for a four-year extension with a $276 million maximum. The Knicks' offer is four years, $200 million.

Additionally, Towns will earn $57.1 million this season and would be due $61 million in 2027-28 should he opt into his player option. So the Knicks are asking him not only to take an immediate pay cut, but also a long-term one.

Smith admitted on his show that although he understands why the Knicks are in a tough spot about paying Towns the max, he is certainly worth it in today's NBA. Plenty of teams would take him if he hits free agency. 

However, it would be ownership malpractice if Dolan didn't take advantage of the Knicks' special bond and desire to play together. Most of this group is willing to take less money than they could elsewhere. It may not be as little as he would like, but deals can be struck.

If the Knicks fall apart because of his stubbornness, no one else will be to blame.