Knicks Pause Extension Talks With Karl-Anthony Towns

The New York Knicks have paused contract-extension negotiations with eligible players until later in the 2026-27 season, leaving Karl-Anthony Towns without a deal and prompting him to say he was surprised and very disappointed. The team announced the pause on October 9, saying its focus was preparing for the upcoming season. Towns addressed the decision after practice on Sunday, October 11, and said he had not expected it. He also stressed that the team had basketball to focus on. The pause applies to all Knicks players eligible for extensions, including Towns, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek. Towns is eligible for a projected four-year extension worth up to $276 million. Reports citing James L. Edwards III said the Knicks had offered about four years and $200 million. The team has not publicly detailed its offer or negotiating position. Towns is due to earn about $57 million this season and has a $61 million player option for 2027-28. He would need to decline the option to negotiate an extension during the season, according to reports on his contract terms. One report said October 19 was the deadline to decline the option while retaining that eligibility.