NBA

Illustration of Karl-Anthony Towns looking disappointed at Madison Square Garden

Karl-Anthony Towns "Very Disappointed" as Knicks Pause Extension Talks: "It Was News to Me"

By The Sports Nus Staff | October 12, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns did not hide his frustration on Sunday. Two days after the Knicks announced they were pausing all contract extension talks, the six-time All-Star told reporters the decision blindsided him.

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"It was news to me," Towns said, via The Athletic's James Edwards. "Very disappointed, to say the least. Let's state the obvious: It's business, but there is business on the court for us to handle."

The numbers explain the tension. Towns is eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $276 million. The Knicks reportedly offered four years and $200 million, a $50 million annual average that represents a pay cut from the $57.1 million he will make this season. Towns has said he will take a discount to help the team, just not that steep a discount. He holds a $61 million player option for 2027-28 and faces an October 19 deadline to decline it and stay extension-eligible during the season.

The Knicks announced Friday they would not negotiate extensions until later in the season, saying their focus is "preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of." The decision covers all extension-eligible players, including Josh Hart and Miles McBride, but Towns is the headliner. He averaged 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds last season and was central to the Knicks' first championship since 1973.

"We're all humans," Towns said. "My only philosophy since we won, the only thing I've had in my mind, is about how do we win another one."

What it means

The defending champions open the season with their star center publicly disappointed in the front office. The $76 million gap between the offer and the max is real, and the October 19 option deadline adds pressure. If no deal gets done, Towns could hit unrestricted free agency in 2027. For now, both sides say the focus is basketball. The quotes say otherwise.

Key Facts

Towns quote: "It was news to me. Very disappointed, to say the least." (VIA The Athletic)
Knicks offer: Reportedly 4 years, $200 million.
Towns max eligible: 4 years, $276 million.
Current deal: $57.1M this season. $61M player option for 2027-28.
Deadline: October 19 to decline the option and stay extension-eligible in-season.
Knicks statement: Pausing all extension talks until later in the season to focus on the season.
Last season: 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds. Key piece of first Knicks title since 1973.
Others eligible: Josh Hart, Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek.