Knicks Pause Extension Talks Until Later in Season

The New York Knicks have paused contract-extension negotiations with eligible players until later in the 2026-27 season, saying their focus is preparing for the season that begins October 20. The decision puts talks with Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek on hold, though the team did not specify when negotiations would resume. In a statement released Friday, the Knicks said the organization was focused on preparing for the upcoming season and would not negotiate extensions until later in the season. The statement did not address individual players or the terms of any discussions. Towns said earlier this week that he and the team were not close to an agreement. He said he wanted to keep the team together while also receiving a contract that valued him. The Knicks’ decision pauses negotiations after reports described a substantial gap between the sides. Reports put the team’s offer to Towns at about four years and $200 million. His projected maximum extension has been reported at four years and $276 million. Those figures have not been confirmed by the Knicks.