The Knicks may have already set the stage for Karl-Anthony Towns to stay put.
After New York’s 2026 championship, the conversation around contracts shifted fast. Jalen Brunson’s pay cut opened the door for the front office to hand out the deals it needed, and that move has become part of the case for why Towns could follow a similar path. OG Anunoby and Towns both benefited from the Knicks’ ability to pay them well, but with Towns now eligible for an extension soon, there’s been talk that he could accept less money to help New York keep building a stronger, more balanced roster.
Towns still has two years left on his current deal, though the second year is a player option. Because of that setup, he could be in line to sign an extension with the Knicks in the 2026-27 season. That possibility only grows more interesting if Towns is looking for something longer term.
The financial angle is obvious, but so is the appeal of staying. A smaller deal would give the Knicks more flexibility, and Brunson already showed that a star can make that kind of sacrifice work.
For Towns, the situation could be even more attractive because of where he’s playing. Being in New York brings branding opportunities that go beyond the court, which could help soften the blow of taking less than he might get elsewhere.
SNY’s Ian Begley believes the most likely outcome is that both sides eventually find common ground.
"If I had to take a guess, the two sides will reach an agreement. Towns clearly loves New York.
Maybe he can make more money with another team next summer. But why would he leave?
He won a timeless championship with his hometown team," SNY's Ian Begley said about a potential Towns extension.
Begley added, "Given all of the factors at play (the state of NBA economics, teams’ approach to the second apron, the Knicks’ title), there are reasons for Towns to play it safe and sign an extension."
That’s the heart of the matter for New York. The Knicks have a chance to keep Towns around for the long haul, but if he decides to chase a bigger payday, another team could come calling. Losing him would be a major setback, so the challenge for the Knicks is simple: find the right number and keep this core together.
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