Karl-Anthony Towns is a major part of the New York Knicks’ plans, but his next contract could become a thorny issue. Towns’ value is not debatable. What’s questionable is how much the Knicks are willing to pay to keep him long-term.
A new survey shows just how most of the team’s supporters feel about his looming extension.
Should Knicks Give Karl-Anthony Towns a Max Extension? Fans Deliver Surprising Answer
Towns is set to make $57 million in the coming season and holds a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign. The six-time All-Star was eligible for a max extension in the previous offseason, but he and the Knicks could not reach an agreement.
After helping New York win the 2026 championship, Towns’ future with the team remains a 7-foot white elephant. He could sign a four-year, $272 million extension, but a new survey suggests many Knicks fans would rather see him leave some money on the table.
On Tuesday, The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III published a survey asking Knicks fans about Towns’ coming extension. The clearest message came from the 54.6% who said Towns should follow Jalen Brunson’s example and take less.
Only 18.3% believe Towns should receive the full amount, while 20.5% said they do not care how much KAT gets.
The results of the Knicks fans survey are in!
Here’s what Knicks fans had to say about the offseason, current expectations, which player they want to be in New York until end of career and more:https://t.co/ihplcWeZ9i
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) August 25, 2026
Brunson is an obvious comparison in the conversation. The Knicks captain agreed to a $156.6 million deal in 2024, leaving roughly $113 million on the table and giving the front office more flexibility to build around him. Brunson’s gamble paid off when the Knicks finally ended their 53-year wait for a championship.
Now, Knicks fans appear to want Towns to make a similar sacrifice. The message from those fans is pretty straightforward: Towns can stay, but they want him to make room financially for the rest of the championship roster.
Towns has certainly earned his place in that core. During his first season in New York, he helped the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference finals before losing to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
The following season, New York finally got over the hump, beating Victor Wembanyama and the favored San Antonio Spurs to win the 2026 NBA championship.
Across two seasons with the Knicks, Towns is averaging 22.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 51.4%, including 39.5% from 3-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and make plays from the center position was a major part of New York’s championship run.
Towns’ value to the Knicks is obvious. Whether he is worth $272 million is where the disagreement lies. Many Knicks fans want him back, but they do not want to pay him the full price.
