Karl-Anthony Towns disappointed as Knicks halt contract extension talks

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns expressed disappointment after the team announced it would suspend contract extension negotiations until later in the season, saying the decision came as a surprise.

“Obviously very disappointed, to say the least. Let’s be honest here,” Towns said Sunday. Despite the setback, he emphasized that his priority remains defending the NBA championship the Knicks won last June, ending a 53-year title drought.

The New York Post previously reported that the Knicks offered Towns a four-year extension worth approximately $200 million, about $77 million below his maximum contract value. Although Towns is reportedly willing to accept less than the maximum, the proposed reduction would also represent a pay cut from his current $57 million salary.

Last Friday, the Knicks announced they would not negotiate contract extensions until later in the season, saying their focus would remain on preparing for the upcoming campaign. The decision also affects other players eligible for extensions, including Josh Hart and Miles McBride, as the franchise seeks to remain below the NBA’s second salary cap apron.

Towns must also decide by October 19 whether to decline his $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season. If he keeps the option, he would be unable to sign an extension with New York during the regular season.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Towns said his focus has not changed. He averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists during the Knicks’ championship playoff run.

“My only philosophy since we won and the only thing I’ve had in my mind is how do we win another one,” Towns said, reiterating his goal of helping New York keep the championship trophy.