Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks remain far apart in negotiations over a potential contract extension, with a substantial financial gap reportedly separating the two sides.
Towns is eligible for an extension worth as much as $276 million over four years. However, the Knicks star is not believed to be insisting on receiving the full maximum amount as discussions continue.
“I want to talk about the overall value of the contract, because Karl-Anthony Towns is eligible to sign a four-year, $276 million extension,” said Brian Windhorst on Friday’s Hoop Collective Podcast.
“That’s his max that he’s eligible to get. He obviously has… he and his side have a position on what he wants to sign for. The Knicks have a position on what they have offered. So those are the parameters.”
According to Windhorst, the difference between the two positions remains considerable.
“From what I understand, they are tens of millions apart. They’re not close.”
Tim MacMahon suggested the gap could be particularly significant when measured on a yearly basis.
“Honestly, I believe that they could be eight figures apart on an annual basis,” said MacMahon.
Windhorst acknowledged that the situation could change as negotiations progress.
“I believe that’s—you know, and maybe it’s changed since we’ve been starting this podcast, maybe the offers have changed,” replied Windhorst.
Despite the distance between the sides, Towns reportedly remains open to negotiating rather than demanding every dollar available under his maximum extension.
“But again, KAT is not pounding the table and saying, ‘You’ve got to max me.’ He’s willing to have discussions,” said MacMahon.
“Oh, yeah. He’s willing to take less than the $275 million, I believe. The question, you know, the question is what are the Knicks willing to do?”
If no extension is reached, Towns will have multiple options regarding his future. He could decline his $61 million player option and enter free agency, or exercise the option and remain under contract.
The latter scenario would almost certainly push New York into the second apron for the 2027-28 season.
