The New York Knicks announced they will not negotiate contract extensions until later in the season, a decision that left Karl-Anthony Towns 'disappointed' and 'news to me.' The team is at a stalemate with Towns, who is eligible for an extension worth up to $276 million, while the Knicks are offering $200 million over four years to avoid the second salary cap apron. Knicks owner James Dolan has refused to exceed the apron, which led to losing backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics at a $15 million salary. Towns, who catalyzed the Knicks' first NBA title in 53 years, averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in the playoffs.
Josh Hart, Miles Mc Bride, and Tyler Kolek are also eligible for extensions. Towns holds a player option for next season worth $61 million and must decline it if talks resume. He emphasized focusing on winning another championship rather than contract negotiations.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing