The New York Knicks are in a tight spot with their star big man. Karl-Anthony Towns is not willing to take a pay cut, and that creates a real problem. The team just won the 2026 NBA title, but money talks louder than rings right now. Per reports from basketballnews.com, negotiations have stalled before training camp even starts. The Knicks want Towns to earn less so they can afford Jalen Brunson’s new max deal later. Towns says no.
The Money Math Does Not Add Up
The numbers show why this standoff is so dangerous for the franchise. Shams Charania stated on NBA Today that Towns qualifies for a four-year, $272 million deal. But the Knicks are close to the second luxury-tax apron, which limits what they can do. Owner James Dolan has said they will not cross that line. This means the team cannot give Towns the full amount he wants. According to Stefan Bondy’s post on X, the Knicks want KAT to accept a discount from his max. The gap between what Towns wants and what New York can pay is too wide to ignore.
Training Camp Looms Without a Deal
Time is running out to fix this mess before the season starts. A deal entering training camp is deemed unlikely by the Knicks. “Negotiations on the contract extension between the Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns have stagnated, and as it stands right now, a deal going into training camp is considered unlikely,” NBA insider Shams Charania said. Should no agreement be reached by that point, Towns might turn into a free agent during the summer of 2027. That would mean the Knicks lose the guy who helped them win the title just one year after lifting the trophy.
A Free Agent Future Is Possible
The silence from Towns speaks volumes about his stance on the situation. Brian Windhorst noted that Towns has given interviews but has not said anything about the contract. The Knicks are betting he will stay, but Towns holds the power here. If the team forces a discount, they risk losing a scorer and rebounder who just proved he can win in the Finals.
