Karl-Anthony Towns opened camp by admitting he wants to stay in New York, but his extension has been stuck since September 23. Coming off a career efficiency season, the case for paying him is obvious — the number attached to it is the hard part.
The Role
Towns starts at center for a defending champion, the interior anchor next to Brunson, Anunoby, Bridges and Hart. At 30, in his 11th season, he played 75 games last season at 31.0 minutes a night, the full-time load a title team needs from its five.
The Numbers
He posted 20.1 points, 11.9 boards and 3.0 assists a game, with 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks. He shot 50.1% from the field, 36.8% on 4.1 three-point attempts, and 85.8% at the line — a center stretching the floor and finishing at the rim in the same possession.
The Efficiency
The advanced marks back it up: a 61.9% true shooting number, a 25.1% usage rate, and a net rating of 7.0 built on an 118.8 offensive rating against a 111.8 defensive mark. His rebound rate sat at 19.2%, his assist rate at 14.2% — damage on both ends without needing the ball in his hands.
The Money
He's owed $57.1 million this season, the largest number on a Knicks payroll that sits at $230.2 million, above the second apron and the $200.4 million tax line. A $61.0 million player option follows in 2027-28. Shams Charania first flagged the stall in extension talks on September 23, and Towns addressed it himself at Media Day on September 28, saying he wants to stay.
Bottom Line
Towns is not on the injury report, and the production case is closed — he was the efficient, two-way center this roster needed to win a title. What he needs to be now is that same player at that same level, while the front office figures out what it costs to keep him.
What is Karl-Anthony Towns' contract situation with the Knicks?
He's owed $57.1 million this season with a $61.0 million player option for 2027-28. Extension talks stalled on September 23, though Towns said at Media Day he wants to stay.
How did Towns perform last season?
He averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists across 75 games, with a 61.9% true shooting mark and a 7.0 net rating.
More from The Garden Line
all Knicks news →
Morning · Tue, Sep 29Akins Gone, Dante Down, Knicks Camp Takes A Hit
Cap watch · Mon, Sep 28Knicks Pay Way Past The Apron To Defend A Banner
The big question · Mon, Sep 28Knicks Chase A Repeat While Two Contracts Hang Fire
Morning · Mon, Sep 28Knicks Fill Out Camp With Four New Names
From the archives · Sun, Sep 27Knicks Have Never Repeated. This Group Wants To.
By the numbers · Sun, Sep 27Numbers Say Knicks Are Built To Repeat