Contract talks between Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks have stalled as New York prepares to defend its championship.
The New York Knicks are preparing to defend their NBA title without a new contract agreement in place for Karl-Anthony Towns.
Extension talks between Towns and the Knicks have stalled, and a deal is considered unlikely before training camp begins next week, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Vincent Goodwill reported Wednesday. The sides discussed a potential agreement extensively this offseason but have made no recent progress, according to the report. Negotiations can continue during the season.
The uncertainty comes after Towns helped New York win its first championship since 1973. It is a significant contract decision for the Knicks, though the absence of an extension before camp does not mean Towns is leaving or that a trade is planned.
Towns’ role in the title run
Towns made the All-Star team in each of his first two seasons with New York. During the Knicks’ 2026 postseason run, he averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 55% from the field, according to ESPN. New York went 16-3 in the playoffs and defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the NBA Finals.
His scoring, rebounding and passing give the Knicks several ways to use him alongside Jalen Brunson. That production helped make Towns a central piece of the championship team and gives both sides a strong reason to keep working toward an agreement.
It also makes the price consequential. ESPN reported that Towns, who turns 31 in November, is eligible for an extension worth up to four years and $276 million. He is due $57 million this season and has a $61 million player option for 2027-28. He therefore has substantial money remaining on his current deal, giving the sides time to negotiate beyond the start of camp.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks centerKarl-AnthonyTowns(L) holds the Larry O'Brien championship trophy as Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (R) holds the Finals MVP trophy after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThe Knicks face a costly choice
New York must weigh a long-term commitment to Towns against its other roster decisions. Knicks owner James Dolan has said he wants the team to stay out of the NBA’s second apron, which brings restrictions on how teams can build their rosters. ESPN reported that backup center Mitchell Robinson departed for the Boston Celtics this offseason amid that financial approach.
Towns is only one part of the contract picture. Josh Hart is also eligible for an extension, while Brunson and OG Anunoby become eligible next offseason. Those decisions increase the stakes of any agreement that would add years and a large salary to Towns’ deal.
For now, the reported standstill changes little about the Knicks’ immediate goal. Towns remains under contract, and New York enters the season trying to repeat as champion with him in its plans. The unresolved question is what terms would satisfy both a player who helped deliver a title and a franchise trying to keep its championship roster together.
