New York Post reporting frames Towns' and McBride's stalled extensions as a standoff, while Hoops Rumors confirms the final two roster spots went to Jaden Akins and Tony Bradley. A gruesome Josh Hart finger story and an Isiah Thomas boardroom appointment round out a week heavier on contracts than basketball.
Digging In On Towns
The New York Post reported that Towns and the Knicks are playing hardball over his next contract, with Stefan Bondy framing it as a standoff over what comes after this season. Shams Charania reported Sept. 23 that the two sides' talks have stagnated, and nothing has moved since. Towns is already owed $57.1 million this year, and Brunson, Anunoby and Bridges all sit above $33 million apiece. New York carries a $230.2 million payroll, over the $221.7 million tax line that punishes every extra dollar spent. The hardball makes sense. There isn't room to negotiate from a position of comfort.
McBride's Future In Doubt
The Post also reported that McBride is playing for a future that may not be with the Knicks, and the numbers back up the worry. He averaged 12.0 points and shot 41.3 percent from three in 41 games last season, and Hoops Rumors reported Sept. 26 that he called himself "a little disappointed" by how his own extension talks have gone. Nothing has resolved either deal. Two players worth keeping, two stalled conversations, one hard cap.
Last Spot, Settled
Hoops Rumors and the Post both covered the same two moves: a two-way deal for Jaden Akins and an Exhibit 9 contract for Tony Bradley, closing out what one headline called the "roster spot battle." That tracks — both names sit on the current 18-man roster, while John Konchar, waived the same week per Hoops Rumors, does not. Separately, the Post reported that Isiah Thomas will join the team's board of directors, a boardroom move with nothing to do with who plays.
Hart's Finger, Unlisted
The Post's Bondy also detailed the gruesome reality of Hart's damaged finger, an injury that has not shown up on New York's own listed report — only Drew Eubanks and Mohamed Diawara are tagged day-to-day there. Hart was healthy enough to needle the Red Sox on social media the same week. Treat the finger as the Post's reporting until it shows up anywhere else.
Bottom Line
Two extensions sit open, one roster battle is closed, and the health news depends on which outlet you trust. Towns and McBride both play out the string without new deals, Akins and Bradley have real roster spots, and Hart's hand is a story to watch rather than a line on an injury report.
Is Towns getting a contract extension from the Knicks?
Not yet. Shams Charania reported Sept. 23 that talks have stalled, and nothing has changed since.
Who won the Knicks' final roster spot?
Tony Bradley and Jaden Akins did. Bradley signed an Exhibit 9 deal and Akins a two-way contract on Sept. 30, and both are on the 18-man roster while John Konchar was waived.
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