Karl-Anthony Towns just led the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years, but don't expect him to automatically bag that monstrous $272 million max contract extension. One expert says they'd be "a bit surprised" if he gets it. That's a gut punch for a guy who delivered the goods, isn't it?
Knicks Want to Keep the Band Together, But At What Cost?
The Athletic's James L. Edwards III is dropping truth bombs, suggesting the Knicks are probably going to offer Towns less than the max. Why? They're trying to keep their championship core glued together. Look, it makes sense. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are locked into lucrative deals. Jalen Brunson, the 2026 NBA Finals MVP, is absolutely getting an extension when his time comes, no doubt about it. And don't forget Josh Hart, who's also extension-eligible later this summer. Edwards stated, "At some point, it feels like something has to give." He's not wrong. Can New York really keep this entire core locked down for another three or four years with everyone on huge money? It seems like a long shot, and that's the real problem.Age, Money, and the "Odd Man Out"
So, why would Towns be the one to potentially take a pay cut after bringing home a title? It all comes down to age and the harsh realities of the NBA. Towns is 30 years old, and as Edwards put it, "big men don't tend to age well." An extension for four years and up to $272 million would carry him well past his prime years. That's a massive commitment for a team to make. Edwards believes there's a world where Towns is the "odd man out" unless he takes "significantly less than the max extension." But here's the kicker: Towns has been instrumental in the Knicks' success. He just delivered a championship. Why would he, nearing 30, leave that kind of cash on the table? It's a brutal choice for both sides. What happens next? This isn't just about one player's payday; it's about the entire future of a championship team. Will Towns decide to stick it out for less cash, or will the Knicks risk breaking up a core that just brought home the trophy? This offseason just got way more interesting for the reigning champs.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.