No Movement on a Towns Extension as the Knicks Guard Against the Second Apron

The Knicks won a title with Karl-Anthony Towns, and they aren't close to extending him. Sources told ESPN on Wednesday that talks have gone quiet and a deal before training camp is unlikely.

It isn't for lack of trying. The two sides talked plenty this offseason. There just hasn't been any progress lately, though nothing stops them from agreeing later in the season.

Towns turns 31 in November. He's eligible for up to four years and $276 million, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks, and is due $57 million this season with a $61 million player option for 2027-28. He's been an All-Star both years in New York and was solid in the playoffs, averaging 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 55% shooting as the Knicks went 16-3 and beat San Antonio in five.

The bigger picture is money. James Dolan has said again and again that he wants to stay out of the second apron, and it has already cost the Knicks Mitchell Robinson, who left for Boston. Josh Hart is extension-eligible now, and Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby will be next summer.