Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns unlikely to reach extension before training camp

Negotiations for a contract extension between the New York Knicks and forward Karl-Anthony Towns have stalled, and an agreement is considered unlikely as the team begins training camp next week, sources told ESPN. The two sides spent extensive time discussing a potential deal during the offseason, but talks have not progressed recently, according to the sources.

Towns, who turns 31 in mid-November, is eligible for a contract extension worth up to four years and $273 million, as reported by ESPN analyst Bobby Marks. He is due $57 million this season and holds a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

In his second season with the Knicks, Towns posted averages of 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 55 percent, helping the team achieve a 16-3 record en route to a championship victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Owner James Dolan has previously emphasized a desire to keep the franchise out of the league's punitive second-apron tax, a factor that contributed to the departure of backup center Mitchell Robinson, who signed with the Boston Celtics.

While the Knicks and Towns could still reach a deal at any point during the season, sources said a short-term agreement appears unlikely.