The New York Knicks will be looking to go back-to-back this season, but there may be some things they want to get done beforehand. One of those things happens to be a possible Karl-Anthony Towns extension, but it doesn't look like either side is on the same page.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Tim McMahon recently spoke on The Hoop Collective about the extension, and both seem to be under the impression that he'll go into the season without a deal.
“It’s looking unlikely that they come to an agreement, he’s an extremely important player. He’s under contract for this season and has a $61m player option,” Windhorst said.
“I think it’s something, but not everything. I don’t think it’s a toxic situation, and I credit Kat for that. Would he love to get a contract extension? Absolutely. Is he going to take way way below the market value? Entering a summer where a lot of teams are going to have a lot of cap space? No, he’s not going to take a lowball number,” McMahon said.
Article Continues BelowBrian Windhorst & Tim McMahon say it’s looking unlikely that the Knicks & Kat come to an extension agreement:
“ It’s looking unlikely that they come to an agreement, he’s an extremely important player. He’s under contract for this season and has a $61m player option.”
“I think… pic.twitter.com/GPkKsUdWC5
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Towns has been their second-best player since they traded for him a few years ago, and he was a big key to their championship run last season. There's no doubt that he's going to want a max extension, but owner James Dolan has made it known that he doesn't want to go into the second apron.
That's definitely something to take into account, especially with Josh Hart also eligible for an extension. If the Knicks want to keep both of them, they'll have to make moves to other parts of the roster.
It's still early, but it would be surprising if the Knicks didn't come to terms with Towns on an extension, because if they don't, he may decide to take his talents elsewhere for a bigger deal.