Towns Doubts Knicks Extension Gets Done Before Season Opener

Karl-Anthony Towns poured cold water on hopes of a swift resolution to his contract situation on Monday, admitting an extension with the New York Knicks before the October 20 season opener is not looking likely. The 30-year-old center is owed $57 million this season and holds a $61.1 million player option for 2027-28. He is eligible for a four-year maximum deal worth around $276 million, but reports suggest New York's offers have been in the $45-50 million per year range — well short of the max. Towns was central to the Knicks' storybook 2026 campaign, helping end the franchise's 53-year championship drought with a five-game Finals win over the Spurs. But owner James Dolan is determined to avoid the league's punitive second apron, and the club has already let Mitchell Robinson walk to Boston. Whether the two sides can bridge the gap before opening night is now one of the league's biggest storylines.