Karl-Anthony Towns reiterated his desire to get a contract extension done while acknowledging the potential discomfort an unsettled situation could bring as the New York Knicks look to defend their NBA title.

"I've made it known I want to play here," Towns said Monday at media day. "I've been a fan since I was a kid. I'd like to get it done and step on the floor and feel as comfortable as possible."

Towns is eligible for a four-year deal worth over $276 million, but it doesn't appear something will get done before the season starts. He is due $57 million this season and has a $61.1 million player option for next season. A six-time All-Star, Towns was a catalyst for the Knicks' playoff run last season, averaging 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists as New York ended a 53-year title drought with a five-game Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Towns knows these issues can fester through the season. He said he won't ignore them. "The first thing is we try to talk about everything. We don't leave any elephants in the room," Towns said. "They'll figure it out and our group has done a fantastic job of understanding that we can only control what we can control."