The Knicks’ focus is supposed to be on a title defense, but Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract situation has become one of the biggest side stories hovering over the season.
Towns has made it clear he wants a new deal, and he’s even said he’s open to taking a pay cut. Still, the Knicks have reportedly lowballed him and told him there won’t be any negotiations once the season starts. That has created a pretty simple fork in the road: the sides revisit it after the season, or Towns heads toward free agency.
If it gets to that second option, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst already has three teams circled as likely suitors.
“If Towns isn't extended, he could opt out and enter free agency,” Windhorst wrote. “There definitely are teams - starting with the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers and Atlanta Hawks - that would probably line up to make big offers. This is what other teams are studying with the Knicks.
“New York could pivot to having cap space next year if Towns walks, opening other options. Hart has a $22 million team option, and the Knicks currently hold options on Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek. If Towns walks, the Knicks could clear around $40 million to reformat the team around Brunson before his eventual and rewarding new deal would kick in.”
Those three teams do make sense as landing spots. Golden State has been chasing another star for a while, especially with Stephen Curry on the backend of his career.
The Clippers are trying to reshape their roster after trading Kawhi Leonard, and Towns would fit into that picture. Atlanta is also positioned to make a run, with multiple expiring contracts on the books and a chance to open up significant cap space next offseason - enough to give Towns whatever he wants.
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Former Hawks Shooter Just Got A Chance Atlanta Fans Will Notice
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Dyson Daniels Just Moved The Market For A Whole NBA Role
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The ripple effect is showing up elsewhere in the league, where front offices are now weighing what Daniels deal says about the market for versatile young guards. Oklahoma Citys Cason Wallace is one of the names watching that trend closely, with his next contract conversation already being shaped by the new standard Daniels helped set. [Read more 🡒]