NBA: Karl-Anthony Towns disappointed as contract extension talks are put on hold

New York Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns is not happy that the reigning NBA champions have paused contract extension talks shortly before the start of the 2026-27 season.

The Knicks had reportedly offered Towns a four-year, $200 million extension. Towns was eligible for an extension worth $276 million.

The Knicks announced Friday that they were tabling contract discussions with all of their extension-eligible players.

"It was news to me," Towns told reporters after Sunday's practice. "Very disappointed, to say the least. Let's state the obvious: It's business, but there is business on the court for us to handle."

Towns does hold a $61 million player option on his contract for the 2027-28 season. He could become an unrestricted free agent by declining that option. He was facing an Oct. 19 deadline to decline the option and remain eligible to negotiate an extension during the season.

Towns, a six-time All-Star, said he hasn't thought that far ahead.

"Because I never thought we would get to that point," he said. "But I think right now what's best for our team is we just focus on the basketball."

Towns is slated to make $57 million this season as part of a four-year, $220 million deal.

New York released a statement Friday on ending extension talks.

"As an organization, our entire focus is preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of," the statement read. "As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season."

Towns said he was affected by the statement. He is trying to keep his focus on helping the Knicks win a second straight title.

"We're all humans," Towns said. "My only philosophy since we won, the only thing I've had in my mind, is about how do we win another one. So for me it's the same focus that I came in this season with: How do we keep the trophy in New York past just this one summer?"

Towns averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 19 playoff games last season as a complementary cog alongside NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson. In the regular season, Towns averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

Towns, who turns 31 next month, is entering his third season with the Knicks after playing nine seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

-Field Level Media/Reuters