Knicks postpone contract talks with Towns and Hart until later season

The New York Knicks announced Friday that they are putting off any contract extension discussions with forward Karl-Anthony Towns and guard Josh Hart until later in the season, emphasizing that the organization’s priority is 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 team spokesperson told ESPN reporter Shams Charania. "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."

Towns, who is eligible for a four-year deal worth more than $276 million and is due $57 million this season with a $61.1 million player option for next year, received a four-year, roughly $200 million offer, according to sources. He expressed frustration, saying he wants a deal that keeps the team together and values him, but that those conditions have not been met.

Hart, due $20.9 million this season with a $22.3 million team option for 2027-28, said on media day that little progress had been made on his extension and he would like a deal to be completed.

The franchise also noted that Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby will be eligible for extensions in the next offseason. Owner James Dolan indicated the team will avoid entering a second luxury-tax apron, a factor that influenced the decision not to re-sign backup center Mitchell Robinson, who signed with Boston.

The Knicks enter the season with strong odds to repeat as champions, according to DraftKings betting data.