The New York Knicks are looking to focus on defending their NBA title after winning their first championship in a long time. However, the organization still has some decisions to make regarding the future of its roster.
The Knicks are trying to figure out what to do with a couple of their starters. However, the organization has made it clear that all contract extension talks will be put on hold.
“As an organization, our entire focus is on preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of. As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season,” a Knicks spokesperson told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Karl-Anthony Towns has been the most vocal Knicks player about not receiving an extension just yet. Towns has been disappointed, to say the least. Reports have indicated that New York and Towns are deeply divided in their negotiations.
“This is the Knicks attempting to eliminate the distraction. Eliminate the growing cloud around the team… Both of these sides are fully divided,” Charania said.
The veteran center is hoping to secure an extension with the Knicks, but it could come at a cost. Towns may have to take a pay cut. With extension talks going nowhere, he has also been asked about his player option. The NBA champion recently revealed that he hasn’t been thinking about what he wants to do with it.
“Towns said he didn’t think it would get to this point so he hasn’t really thought about declining or picking up the player option yet. He’d have to decline it to be able to legally negotiate in the season,” The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III posted.
Towns appears to be in a difficult position if both sides cannot reach an agreement. However, if he wants to pursue an extension before his player option takes effect, he would have to decline it, which could put money at stake.
The Knicks have been vocal about avoiding distractions, but Towns’ unresolved contract situation continues to draw attention. With no decision made on his player option, it remains to be seen whether the two sides can reach an agreement or whether Towns will explore other options.
