The world champion New York Knicks are struggling to keep one of their biggest contributors to their 2026 title run on the roster for the next few seasons.
With his contract expiring, big man Karl-Anthony Towns and the team are locked in a fierce dispute over his future deal.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, prior to the Knicks’ preseason opener, Towns revealed his frustration with how those talks are progressing.
‘Simply put, I want to do something to keep the team together and can work with the Knicks and also values me. And none of those things are close to happening,’ Towns said.
When asked if the two sides could come to an agreement before the start of the regular season, Towns admitted, ‘It doesn’t look good.’
Towns became eligible for a contract extension in August, but the two sides are far apart on what the right number would be.
Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns provided a grim update regarding his contract talks
The Knicks are reportedly offering Towns $77 million less than his max extension
The Knicks have key players up for extensions in the coming years, including Jalen Brunson
The max that Towns is eligible for is a four-year, $277 million extension. However, the big man has admitted his willingness to take a discount.
But the Knicks’ offer – a four-year, $200 million deal, per the New York Post – is too drastic for Towns to seriously consider.
Towns believes he is owed a good contract. When asked if he should be rewarded, he bluntly replied, ‘No s***, Sherlock. I just won a championship.’
‘You’d think it was pretty easy. Unless you guys [reporters] think I have something else to prove,’ Towns added.
The Knicks have multiple expiring contracts to deal with this season. In addition to Towns, guards Josh Hart and Miles McBride are extension eligible until June.
Next season, superstar guard Jalen Brunson is eligible for a contract extension.
All of this comes as the Knicks hope to stay below the second apron.
