Karl-Anthony Towns’ relationship with the New York Knicks continues to deteriorate.
The Knicks announced in a public statement earlier in the week that they are officially shutting down contract talks with their players until later on in the season. As a result, Towns is among multiple Knicks who will not be getting an extension before the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Speaking with reporters on Sunday, Towns addressed the Knicks’ decision. He said that he was “very disappointed” with the team over what he indicated as a surprise development.
“It was news to me,” said Towns, per James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. “Very disappointed to say the least. Let’s state the obvious. It’s business, but there is business on the court for us to handle.”
The six-time All-Star Towns, 30, is looking for a new contract from the Knicks after helping lead them to the NBA championship in 2026. He is in the final guaranteed year of his contract this season at $57.1 million and also holds a $61 million player option for 2027-28.
In their attempt to avoid the second apron of the luxury tax, New York is not willing to give Towns a max extension. Instead, they want him to leave tens of millions of dollars on the table on a potential new contract.
Towns, though he has reportedly been frustrated with the Knicks for the last several months, has at least shown a willingness to negotiate with the team at a number less than his max. But now the Knicks are suddenly not looking to negotiate at all, which is a disappointing development for both Towns and his other extension-eligible teammates such as Josh Hart and Miles McBride.
