The New York Knicks are still figuring some things out as they look to defend the NBA championship they won a few months ago. Injuries have also created some challenges early in the season.
However, much of the drama surrounding the team came before the season even began. Karl-Anthony Towns became eligible for a contract extension, but the Knicks were reportedly nowhere near the range he was seeking.
“The word on the street over the last few weeks is that Towns wants something in the $225-240 million range on a four-year extension… When asked about not receiving an extension, Towns was upset, but he made it clear that it is just business,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote.
The veteran big man has since made it clear that he doesn’t believe the Knicks have presented him with an offer that reflects his value. Towns has indicated that he is willing to take a pay cut to remain in New York, although the extent of that willingness remains unclear.
“Simply put – I want to do something to keep the team together and can work with the Knicks and also values me. And none of those things are close to happening,” Towns said.
New York will likely reopen contract discussions with Towns at some point during the regular season, but his market value continues to rise. The NBA champion has been playing at an extremely high level to begin the season and currently looks like an All-NBA-caliber player.
“After all the noise that surrounded Karl-Anthony Towns coming into this season about contracts and whatever else, Towns is off to nothing short of a tremendous start to the year. All-NBA basketball night after night,” The Athletic’s Fred Katz wrote.
Towns is proving that letting him walk would be a mistake, but the Knicks have made it clear they are unwilling to go into the second apron. With Towns playing at this level, New York could find itself in a difficult position if his market value continues to skyrocket.
As Towns’ value continues to climb, he may become less willing to accept a pay cut. His rising market value will ultimately test how much he wants to remain in New York compared to how much he wants to earn.
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