Karl-Anthony Towns: Knicks contract extension talks haven't 'come close'

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News on Oct 5, 2026

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PHILADELPHIA — All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns said he and the Knicks remain separated in discussions regarding a contract extension to keep him in New York beyond this season.

“Simply put, I want to do something that can keep the team together and that can work with the Knicks, but also values me,” Towns said after morning shootaround ahead of the Knicks’ preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. “And none of those things have come close to happening.”

Towns, a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA Third Team selection, is eligible for a four-year extension worth a maximum of $276 million after helping lead the Knicks to the franchise’s first NBA championship in 53 years. He has been willing to take less than his max to help the Knicks maintain cap flexibility to re-sign other players and stay under the second apron — but he still wants a pay day worthy of his role as one of the two-most important players from last year’s championship roster.

“No s–t, Sherlock,” Towns said Monday morning. “I just got a championship, you thought it’d be pretty easy. Unless you guys think I got anything else to prove?”

Both ESPN and Bleacher Report reported the Knicks have offered Towns a four-year extension worth $200 million, with ESPN reporting Towns viewed that offer as “unreasonable.” Towns was pessimistic on the thought of an extension getting done before the regular-season opener against the 76ers on Oct. 20.

“It don’t look good,” Towns said with a grin. “I mean in my experience, you just appreciate the moments right now and let it go where it goes.”

Towns averaged 20.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and three assists on 50% shooting from the field and 36.8% shooting from 3-point range last season under Mike Brown before the Knicks reimagined their offense to run through the All-Star big man after falling into a 1-2 series hole in the first round of the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks. Towns triple-doubled in two of the final three games of the series and averaged 7.5 assists in the second round against the 76ers.

Asked how he’s handling the lack of an extension, Towns replied. “Best as anyone could.”

Towns is one of three key extension-eligible Knicks who are set to enter the regular season without a deal. Josh Hart is up for a four-year, $132 million extension but is also expected to take a sizable pay cut from his max to help the Knicks stay under the second apron. Miles McBride is also entering the final year of his three-year, $13 million deal and is due a significant pay raise, one the Knicks may not be able to afford while keeping their entire starting lineup intact.

Head coach Mike Brown deferred to team president Leon Rose, who does not address the media, when asked about contract extensions and the second apron.

“When it comes to contracts and second apron, you guys know how much I love my grandkid. If you asked me to give you three facts or two facts about the second apron, I can’t do it. I have no interest in that,” Brown said on Media Day. “I’m not trying to punt, but it is what it is. I don’t follow that. Leon trusts me with the stuff on the court. And I trust him with that type of stuff. So whatever his thought is or his focus is, I’m all on board with it.”

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