It had been predictable. While James Dolan speaks about not spending a single extra dollar, the New York Knicks players understand that it’s time to be rewarded after winning a championship for the city 53 years later. In that vein are Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, with the center the latest to speak clearly.
Known that the Knicks have laid on the table a four-year, $200 million extension offer, not a few people thought such an agreement might not meet the center’s expectations. Well, as if there were any doubt, he dispels them with these words.
«It doesn’t look good», he begins his remarks to the media before answering whether they should reward his role for being a key piece in winning the championship. «Obviously, Sherlock. I just won a ring. One could think it’s pretty straightforward. Maybe you (the reporters) think I have more to prove».
Towns leaves clear that signing before the start of the regular season is far off, but the truth is that in his case he doesn’t seem in a hurry either. This season he must earn $57 million for 2027-28 and has a player option for $61.1 million. He would like to resolve his future as soon as possible, of course, but likewise he does not need to rush.
The Knicks’ firm stance
As noted at the outset, James Dolan, the Knicks’ owner, has said the team will not go over the second apron under any circumstances, which implies that tough decisions will have to be made. And it’s not just about the future, since New York did not renew reserve center Mitchell Robinson, who ended up leaving for the Boston Celtics.
Questioned about that financial situation, Towns says he understands how hard it is to keep the core of a championship team together, but he believes that for the moment the team has not done what it must to enable an agreement between both sides.
«In a word, I want to do something that keeps the team intact, helps the Knicks and, at the same time, values me. None of that has been close to happening so far», he states.
Could things get ugly with Towns?
In that vein, Shams Charania of ESPN weighs in. The famed journalist notes that the center has always contemplated the possibility of accepting a substantial cut in his new contract; however, what they are asking for – a 76 million reduction from his max – would be an extreme discount he is not willing to accept. Meanwhile, the Knicks have not moved an inch in their offer.
Although there is still a lot to be determined, there is already some buzz about how the situation could become complicated as the trade deadline approaches. And it’s not just us saying it, but Josh Hart, who hasn’t had his contract renewed either and who believes this could heat up as the season progresses. We don’t know how it will be resolved, but undoubtedly it will be necessary to stay very alert.
