Former NBA forward Charlie Villanueva believes Karl-Anthony Towns should follow Jalen Brunson’s example and accept less than his maximum salary to help the New York Knicks keep their championship core together.
Speaking on the ToTheBaha podcast, Villanueva directly challenged Towns to sacrifice financially after Brunson previously took a below-market deal to give New York greater flexibility.
“KAT it’s your turn, JB did it, right? He set the tone, he set the bar. It’s your turn. Come on, he okay. Take 50 a year. Take 45,” Villanueva said. “JB took a hit so we could win this chip. Let’s keep the group together guys it’s your turn now, I did my part. Karl, that’s what I would do.”
Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension in 2024 instead of waiting until 2025 free agency, when he could have been eligible for a deal worth roughly $269 million. The sacrifice helped the Knicks retain OG Anunoby, acquire Mikal Bridges and complete the trade for Towns.
Towns now faces a similar decision, although the financial stakes are considerably different. He is eligible for a four-year extension worth approximately $272 million, which would begin with the 2027-28 season, but The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III has indicated that he would be surprised if New York offered the full maximum.
The Knicks already have Towns under contract for $57.1 million in 2026-27, followed by a $61 million player option for 2027-28. A maximum extension would therefore add another substantial long-term commitment to a roster that also includes Brunson, Anunoby, Bridges and Josh Hart.
Towns provided strong production during New York’s championship season. He averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 75 regular-season games while shooting 50.1% from the field, 36.8% from three-point range and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
His role also changed during the playoffs as the Knicks increasingly used him as an offensive hub around the elbow, allowing him to create opportunities for teammates while continuing to provide spacing and rebounding. New York ultimately defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the NBA Finals to win its first championship since 1973.
The Knicks finished the regular season 53-29, third in the Eastern Conference, before sweeping Cleveland in the conference finals and winning four of five games against San Antonio.
