Karl-Anthony Towns 'Very Disappointed' Knicks Cease Contract Talks

Karl-Anthony Towns voiced significant disappointment after the New York Knicks halted contract extension discussions, describing the team's Friday announcement as "news to me."

"Obviously very disappointed, to say the least. Let’s be honest here," Towns said Sunday. "But even though there was no business done, there’s still business to be handled. After 53 years, we found a way to bring this trophy back to New York, and we intend for it to stay in New York."

Towns had been vocal about the stalled negotiations, particularly following the Knicks' first championship since 1973. The New York Post previously reported that the Knicks offered Towns a four-year deal worth approximately $200 million, which would represent a pay cut from his current $57 million salary and be $77 million below his maximum possible earnings.

Last week, Towns expressed surprise that a new deal had not materialized, stating, "No s–t, Sherlock. I just won a championship. You’d think it was pretty easy. Unless you guys [reporters] think I have something else to prove."

The Knicks' statement on Friday indicated they "will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season."

Josh Hart and Miles McBride are also eligible for contract extensions. The team's front office is reportedly working to stay under the NBA's second apron, a constraint influenced by owner James Dolan's directives.

Hart addressed his contract situation on Saturday, asserting that he would not let it interfere with the team's objectives. The Knicks hold a $22.3 million team option for Hart for the 2027-28 season. "Obviously, we have high expectations," Hart said. "It’s good to be able to just focus on the season and keep it moving."

Complicating matters, Towns has until October 19 to decide on his $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season. If he does not decline it, he cannot sign a contract extension with the Knicks during the regular season, assuming talks were to reopen.

"I wouldn’t say I’ve thought about it, because I never thought it would get to this point," said Towns, who was a key contributor to the Knicks' championship run last June, averaging 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in the playoffs.

Despite the contract uncertainty, Towns emphasized his commitment to the team's immediate goals. "But I think right now what’s best for our team is we just focus on the basketball," he stated. "We’re all humans, but what I do say is true: My only philosophy since we won and the only thing I’ve had in my mind is how do we win another one. For me, the same focus I came in this season with is the same focus I’ll go into Game 1 with: How do we keep the trophy in New York past just this one summer?"