Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks are stuck in a serious contract standstill, and as the regular season tips off Tuesday, opposing teams are already circling like sharks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst just dropped a bombshell, reporting that teams across the league are literally “studying” what the Knicks are doing. Why? They want to see if the door stays open for Towns to ditch New York and hit free agency. This isn’t just whispers, folks, this is the NBA’s biggest early-season drama.
Warriors, Clippers, Hawks Are Lying in Wait
Windhorst’s report singled out some heavy hitters who are practically salivating at the thought of adding Towns. The Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, and Atlanta Hawks are all listed as teams that would “probably line up to make big offers” if KAT becomes available. And get this: all three of those teams are projected to have the cap space ready for 2027-28 to actually sign him. Towns is already due $57.1 million this season, with a $61 million player option for 2027-28. If those extension talks with the Knicks stay stalled, he could opt out and walk. That’s a massive problem for the Knicks, and a dream scenario for a contender looking for a six-time All-Star.
The Knicks’ Lowball Offer Has Everyone Talking
The real kicker here is the money, or lack thereof from the Knicks’ side. Towns has apparently been willing to give the team a discount, which is wild to even think about in today’s NBA, but New York doesn’t seem to be meeting him halfway. The Athletic’s James Edwards III reported on October 11 that the Knicks’ offer to Towns has been chillingly low, in the $200 million range. Towns is eligible for up to $276 million over four years. That’s a staggering $76 million difference! Knicks governor James Dolan has been super clear about not wanting to hit the second apron, and with Jalen Brunson eligible for his own $300 million extension next summer, it’s getting harder to see how Towns stays in New York without some serious give from both his camp and Dolan’s. On October 9, a Knicks spokesperson even told ESPN’s Shams Charania that the club was pausing all extension talks “until later in the season” to focus on the 2026-27 campaign. That also leaves Josh Hart and Miles McBride in the same boat, potentially hitting free agency next summer.
After some growing pains in his first season under head coach Mike Brown, Towns finished the 2025-26 campaign strong, averaging 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in 75 starts. He put up those numbers despite the early struggles, proving he can still be an elite player. Now, the Knicks will collect their championship rings and tip off their season Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden against the Philadelphia 76ers. But with this contract mess hanging over their heads, will anyone really be focusing on the rings, or just the ticking clock on Towns’ future?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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