- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns intends to accept less than a maximum contract in his next deal to help preserve the team's roster.
Towns told ESPN alongside teammate Jalen Brunson that a max salary never entered his thinking. "Oh yeah, because I want this team to stay together," he said. Towns noted his priorities are keeping the group intact and continuing to pursue championships.
The Knicks reportedly offered Towns four years and $200 million, a figure more than $70 million below his projected maximum. The anticipated deal range had been $225-240 million. Towns could decline a player option and test unrestricted free agency.
The club publicly paused extension discussions with Towns, Hart, McBride and Kolek before the season, suspending talks until an undisclosed later date. Brunson previously accepted far below his max. Owner James Dolan has refused to cross the second apron.
The Knicks open the 2026-27 season Tuesday against Philadelphia, where they will receive championship rings.
Source: CBS Sports - Tue Oct 20, 6:30 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).