The New York Knicks’ contract talks with key players have grown awkward after the team announced it would not negotiate extensions until later in the season. Karl-Anthony Towns, the most outspoken Knick in extension discussions since the preseason began, responded after Sunday’s practice.
“It was news to me,” Towns told reporters. “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.”
Stalemate over Towns’ extension
Towns is eligible for an extension worth up to $276 million, but he and the Knicks are at a stalemate. Knicks owner James Dolan has said he will not allow the team to enter the second salary cap apron. According to Shams Charania, the Knicks’ offer to Towns is worth $200 million over four years.
Towns was a catalyst in the Knicks’ first NBA title in 53 years last season. He made the All-Star team for the sixth time and averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in the playoffs.
Other Knicks eligible for new deals
Swingman Josh Hart is also eligible for an extension, though he has a team option for next season. Reserves Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are eligible for new deals as well.
Avoiding the second apron had a cost. The Knicks lost backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics this summer at a salary starting at $15 million. To replace him, New York signed Andre Drummond for the league minimum ($2.4 million).
Team statement and Towns’ response
The Knicks issued a statement Friday saying they were tabling all extension discussions. “As an organization, our entire focus is preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of,” the statement read. “As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season.”
Towns has a player option for next season worth $61 million. If he and the team return to the table during the season, the star would have to decline that option. Towns said he had not thought that far ahead.
“Because I never thought we would get to that point,” Towns said. “But I think right now what’s best for our team is we just focus on the basketball. It’s going to be a fun game tomorrow.”
Towns did not deny being disappointed. He has twice made public statements about his contract situation during the preseason, which may have prompted the Knicks’ rare public statement late last week.
“We’re all humans,” Towns said. “My only philosophy since we won, the only thing I’ve had in my mind, is about how do we win another one. So for me it’s the same focus that I came in this season with: How do we keep the trophy in New York past just this one summer?”