Contract extension negotiations between Towns and Knicks hit deadlock

Contract extension negotiations between Towns and the Knicks have reached an impasse. (File photo, Bloomberg)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] Last season, the Knicks won the championship for the first time in 53 years with the help of "King of New York" Jalen Brunson (King of New York), "KAT" Karl-Anthony Towns (Karl-Anthony Towns) and others. However, there is news that the contract renewal negotiations between star center Towns and the team have reached a deadlock.

The Knicks traded Towns from the Timberwolves before the start of the 2024 season and won the championship in the second season after completing the deal. Now, according to "ESPN" reports, the contract extension negotiations between Towns and the Knicks have reached an impasse. As the team starts training camp next week, there is little chance that the two parties will reach an agreement in the short term.

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The report also quoted sources saying that the two parties spent a lot of time discussing contract renewal this offseason, but there was no real progress.

Towns' annual salary for the new season is US$57 million, and he has a player option of US$61 million from 2027 to 2028. "ESPN" salary expert Bobby Marks pointed out that if Towns extends his contract in advance, he can sign a maximum of US$276 million for four years.

According to current salary regulations, the team will encounter strong pressure to maintain a competitive lineup without receiving rookie bonuses. Knicks owner James Dolan has stated that he does not want the team's salary to exceed the second-tier ceiling; in fact, after winning the championship, the Knicks have already let go of main backup center Mitchell Robinson this summer.