Cedric Maxwell isn’t interested in overcomplicating Karl-Anthony Towns’ future with the Knicks. His message to New York was plain: the player who helped deliver a title shouldn’t be the one pushed out the door.
The Knicks could keep their core together for the next 3-5 years IF Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart are willing to take a pay cut, per @WindhorstESPN
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) June 19, 2026
KAT is eligible for a 4-year, $272M extension.
"If Karl Towns is willing to take a little bit of a haircut, you know, $7-10… pic.twitter.com/ugpU6Bx1L6
The two-time NBA champion said he expects Towns to remain with the Knicks past the trade deadline, and he backed the idea of an extension. Maxwell went straight to Towns’ production when making his case.
“I don't think you can look at Karl-Anthony Towns and let him get away from the Knicks,” Maxwell said. “He's a great scorer for them. You wouldn't have won it without him.”
That view comes as extension talks have reportedly stalled, with Towns said to be disappointed by the situation. The reported offer was close to $200 million, while the maximum could reach $276 million.
Maxwell also pushed back on the notion that New York should try to test Towns’ resolve. In his view, the Knicks already know what they have.
“Would I want to sign him to an extension? Yeah, I would,” he said.
At the same time, Maxwell acknowledged the business side of the decision. Retaining a championship contributor is one thing; fitting another big contract into the roster picture is another, especially with the NBA’s apron restrictions in play.
“I don't think pockets are bottomless. You have to be fiscally responsible to your team and your organisation,” Maxwell said.
Even with Jalen Brunson still viewed by Maxwell as the team’s centerpiece, he did not move away from his support for Towns. To him, the central issue is simple: replacing that kind of production is not easy.
“Who could you get that's going to replace Karl-Anthony Towns?” Maxwell asked.
That’s where Maxwell leaves it - if the Knicks are thinking about moving on, they first have to answer that question.
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