Karl-Anthony Towns hasn’t reached a contract extension with the New York Knicks, but he’s not hiding how he feels about staying in Manhattan long-term. Towns has made it clear, he still has a strong relationship with the front office and hopes his career continues in New York.
Karl-Anthony Towns Committed to Knicks
With no agreement reached before the October deadline and his next window not opening until after the 2026 Finals, Towns is playing out the season while the Knicks surge in the Eastern Conference.
Towns emphasized that the stalled negotiations haven’t affected his rapport with team leadership.
As reported by the Knicks reporter Stefan Bondy: “Me, Leon Rose, Gersson Rosas and everyone, we’re great,” he said. “I’ll go have lunch with them right now. We’re good.”
When asked directly if he wants to stay with the Knicks, he didn’t hesitate.
“Hell yeah, hell yeah. I want to stay here,” Towns said. “Obviously get a chance to be home, see my family. It means more than the money, you know.
“So just to be able to be here with the fans, be with the family. It means a lot. I would like it to continue.”
The Knicks and Towns failed to reach an agreement before the Oct. 20 deadline, when he was eligible for a two-year, $150 million extension added onto his current contract. His next chance to negotiate a new deal won’t come until after the 2026 NBA Finals.
Towns officially arrived in New York on October 2, 2024, as part of a blockbuster three-team trade with Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets. A New Jersey native, he described joining the Knicks as a “lifetime dream” for his family.
The five-time NBA All-Star remains under contract for at least two more seasons with roughly $110 million owed and holds a $61 million player option for 2027–28. His original four-year, $220 million contract with Minnesota is still in effect.
On the court this season, Towns has averaged 21.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 44.9% shooting –, a dip in efficiency compared to the rest of his career.
Head coach Mike Brown acknowledged the adjustment period, noting Towns is still learning the system. But he has shown flashes of elite production with outings like his 39-point performance against the Miami Heat and 37-point showing versus Brooklyn Nets back in November..
Meanwhile, the Knicks are flourishing. They entered their Dec. 2 matchup with the Boston Celtics at 13–6 and on a four-game winning streak, firmly positioned among the East’s early-season contenders.