Towns responds to Knicks’ extension pause, calls decision news to him

Karl-Anthony Towns said Sunday that he was disappointed by the Knicks’ decision to pause contract-extension talks, while keeping his focus on New York’s attempt to repeat as NBA champion.

The center spoke after practice in Tarrytown, two days after the team announced it would stop negotiating extensions until later in the season. He called the decision “news to me,” according to ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill and the New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield, who both reported his remarks.

The pause applies beyond Towns. Josh Hart and Miles McBride are also among the players whose talks have been put on hold. The Knicks’ statement, shared Friday by reporter Steve Popper, said the organization was concentrating on preparation for the season.

The gap between the sides remains substantial. ESPN reported, citing Shams Charania, that New York’s offer to Towns is $200 million over four years. Towns is eligible for a four-year extension worth more than $276 million, according to the two reports. The negotiations remained paused Sunday.

Towns also has a player option for 2027-28 worth about $61 million. He told reporters he had not thought far ahead about that decision because he had expected an extension to be completed. The option would determine his status for the 2027-28 season.

Coach Mike Brown addressed the contract situation with the team before Sunday’s practice, Winfield reported. Towns welcomed that conversation and described the workout as mindful, while stressing that the basketball work still had to be handled.

Towns had posted a brief “Always Love” message with orange and blue hearts Friday, after the Knicks’ announcement. That earlier post preceded his fuller public response Sunday.

The dispute enters the season alongside New York’s title defense. Towns’ stated aim remains another championship; the timetable for resuming extension negotiations remains the team’s broader promise of later in the season.

Sources

ESPN: Towns responds after Sunday practice · New York Daily News: Towns responds at Tarrytown practice