NBA reporter Shams Sharania recently reported that Karl-Anthony Towns has been granted a two-year, $150 million maximum contract extension, but the Knicks management has not yet scheduled a meeting to discuss the extension.

Towns is in a somewhat awkward situation. A center who has been an All-NBA selection and an All-Star, he wants a maximum contract extension, but there's been little discussion about it. According to the collective bargaining agreement, Towns can discuss a two-year, early extension with the Knicks at any time between August and October 20, 2025, the start of the new season. However, Knicks management has remained silent on the matter, keeping the extension negotiations quiet throughout the offseason. There are even reports that the Knicks haven't ruled out trading Towns.

Last season, Towns averaged a double-double of 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, shooting 42% from three-point range. Across the league, besides Towns, only Nikola Jokic has put up such impressive numbers. Offensively, this is the best season by a Knicks center since Patrick Ewing's prime. Furthermore, the Knicks paid a significant price to acquire Towns, so it's hard to believe that management wouldn't be as enthusiastic about a contract extension as they should be.

From the perspective of the Knicks' roster, Towns is undoubtedly a key piece to the core structure, and his peak season for the next few seasons is a sure thing. Consider that the Knicks just offered Mikal Bridges, who has never been an All-Star, a near-maximum contract extension. "Several executives expressed their confusion about the Knicks' decision," said Shalania. "Taking a cold approach to Towns' contract extension negotiations will be one of the biggest uncertainties for the Knicks going forward."

The Knicks are considering whether it's worthwhile to continue to sign Towns to a two-year, $150 million supermax contract. Bridges' four-year, $150 million contract extension, along with Jalen Brunson and Anunoby, forms the core of the future, propelling the Knicks' roster stability to one of the league's most stable positions. However, Towns still has two years remaining on his contract and a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season. Knicks management believes there's no need to rush Towns' contract extension and can wait and see.

When Towns' contract reaches his player option, he will be only 32 years old and, barring major injuries, still in the prime of his career. In other words, Towns has full control over whether to stay with the Knicks or pursue the final major contract of his career. The Knicks are well aware that extending Towns' contract would entail greater risk, especially given the numerous injuries and health concerns that have plagued his prime.

"The Knicks are unwilling to actively discuss a two-year, $150 million supermax contract extension. Frankly, the Knicks are in no rush right now," said Shalania. "Towns' talent is indeed rare, but the idea of him earning over $75 million annually and ranking in the top ten in the league is unrealistic." If Towns insists on this massive contract, the Knicks are more willing to listen to trade offers.

Right now, the Knicks' primary goal is to seize the opportunity to compete for a championship, rather than to dwell on salary. The offseason acquisitions of Jordan Clarkson and Guershon Yabusele strengthened their bench depth and provided strong complements to their core lineup. Management understands that this roster flexibility is key to competing in the Eastern Conference. With Brunson's leadership and Bridges' multi-positional defensive skills, Towns' offense is expected to become a key factor in propelling the Knicks to further success. However, the Knicks also need to control their payroll. The $206 million payroll for the 2025-26 season ranks third in the league, behind only the Cavaliers and Mavericks.

"Towns's statistics prove he's irreplaceable, but his contract extension issues also highlight the conflict between winning now and maintaining long-term stability," said Shalania. "Given Towns' true value and the constraints imposed by the collective bargaining agreement, the Knicks should at least be willing to listen to Towns' trade value."

The Knicks' approach to Towns is like owning a luxury car: you enjoy its performance in the present, but you also worry about the high maintenance costs after the warranty expires. The Knicks' strategy is to fully utilize Towns's prime, maximize his talent, and protect future cap space. Towns understands that this creates instability and uncertainty for both sides, which could become a factor in the Knicks' future failure.

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