The New York Knicks spent decades trying to build a championship team. Now, just months after finally getting their first title since 1973, the challenge may be keeping the roster together. Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart could potentially emerge as trade candidates during the upcoming season if the Knicks are unable to reach contract extensions with two key members of their championship roster.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported Monday that negotiations between New York and Towns remain far apart, creating uncertainty around the All-Star center’s future. However, the two sides appear to have very different ideas about how significant that discount should be. Towns is eligible for a four-year extension worth as much as $276 million.
Charania reported that the Knicks have instead offered approximately $200 million over four years. That $76 million difference could have Towns playing for another franchise in the near-future. The situation creates an unusual dilemma for a franchise preparing to defend its first NBA championship in 53 years.
Towns played an important role in New York’s championship run after arriving from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The six-time All-Star averaged 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists during the postseason as the Knicks ultimately defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. After helping deliver a championship to New York, Towns made it clear Monday that he believes there should be a path toward keeping the team together while also recognizing his value.
It’s one thing to hear reports about difficult negotiations, but it’s another for Towns to publicly acknowledge just how far apart the two sides remain. It creates a potentially significant problem for New York before its championship defense even begins. Hart is also eligible for an extension and has expressed his desire to remain in New York.
The veteran has become an important part of the Knicks’ identity and averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season. But Hart also understands how quickly uncertainty surrounding a contract can become a distraction. But the longer the negotiations remain unresolved, the more troubling the conversation could become.
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