NEW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks have “stagnated” on contract extension discussions, with an agreement before the start of training camp now considered unlikely. The talks have been described as “cordial” despite the lack of movement, as Towns remains eligible for a massive offseason extension that could reach $276 million over four seasons.
“This is a cloud going into training camp,” said Shams Charania, capturing the uncertainty hanging over New York as camp approaches. Towns, who will turn 31 in November, is playing under his current deal that includes a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season, after which he could become a free agent in 2027 if he declines the option.
There is no deadline for Towns and the Knicks to finalize an extension, leaving the door open for negotiations to extend beyond camp. Owner James Dolan has been clear that he wants to avoid the Knicks going into the second apron, a financial threshold that will shape how the front office approaches any long-term commitment to Towns.