Knicks pause contract extension talks with Towns, Hart until later in season

The New York Knicks said Friday that all contract extension discussions with players eligible for new deals, including All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns and forward Josh Hart, are on hold until later in the 2026-27 season. The team said the decision allows it to concentrate on preparing for the start of the campaign.

"As an organization, our entire focus is on preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of," a Knicks spokesperson said in a statement.

Towns, who holds a $61 million player option for 2027-28, could receive a four-year extension worth up to $276 million. Hart, with a $22.4 million team option for the same season, is eligible for a deal worth as much as $132 million over four years. The club also listed sixth-man Miles "Deuce" McBride and reserve guard Tyler Kolek as extension-eligible.

Both players expressed concern about the timing. Hart noted that uncertainty can generate rumors and affect daily performance, while Towns said he wants an agreement that keeps the team together and values him, adding that such a deal is not close to happening.

The pause appears linked to owner James L. Dolan’s public stance against exceeding the NBA’s second-apron salary threshold, which would trigger higher taxes and limit roster-building tools. The Knicks are currently projected to be just under the $222 million second-apron line for 2027-28, and Dolan has warned that surpassing it would be "suicidal" for the franchise.

Analysts note that the restriction could complicate future extensions for other core players, including Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, who will become eligible next summer. The Knicks have reportedly offered Towns a four-year, $200 million contract, significantly below his previous max deal with Minnesota.

The organization did not specify when negotiations might resume, leaving the players and the team to manage the uncertainty as they aim to defend their title.