The 2026-27 NBA season hasn’t even begun yet, and there’s already trade rumors blowing. At the forefront of the rumors are the defending champion New York Knicks who might have some major decisions to make in the wake of potential contract extensions for Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart.

But are potential trade talks on the horizon for the Knicks regarding either Karl-Anthony Towns or Josh Hart? Not so fast, as per ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel. Knicks fans can rest easy at the moment as the team is not actively shopping either Towns or Hart, nor are they fielding potential offers from other teams.

As Siegel notes, any supposed trade rumors are simply speculation in the event that somewhere down the line, the Knicks potentially decide against doling out contract extensions for the duo. And at least on the Towns front, there could possibly be some cause for concern considering the six-time All-Star’s recent comments regarding extension talks.

If no contract extension is reached, Towns holds a player option for 2027-28. Should he decide not to exercise that option, he would hit unrestricted free agency this coming offseason.

Article Continues Below

With Hart, the Knicks hold a team option for 2027-28, after which he will hit unrestricted free agency in the 2028 offseason.

The Knicks are coming off their first NBA championship in over 50 years, with both Towns and Hart having played major roles. It’s been no secret that the organization would prefer not to hit the dreaded second apron in terms of salary cap. As of now, the Denver Nuggets are the only team projected to hit that mark this season.