The New York Knicks are hitting the brakes on all contract negotiations until later in the season, and it’s a bombshell dropped just over a week before the NBA season kicks off. This move immediately impacts big names like Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, both of whom had active discussions on the table. NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer also noted that Deuce McBride and Tyler Kolek, both in the final years of their deals, are caught in this hold.
KAT and Hart’s Futures Just Got Murky
Before the Knicks’ Friday announcement, Towns was the only player whose camp was “seriously engaged” in talks with the team. Stein and Fischer reported that New York had “prioritized talks with Towns over Hart to this point,” which tells you everything about who the Knicks were trying to lock up first. Hart, on the other hand, has a $22.4 million team option coming up next year, so it’s a wait-and-see game whether he’ll even hit free agency. You gotta wonder what this pause does to the vibe, even with both Towns and Hart posting encouraging messages on social media to try and keep the fanbase calm. It would be a pretty wild card to see either of these guys traded this season, especially after the team’s championship run last year, but you never know when front offices decide to gamble.
Deuce McBride Is On The Block, Get Ready for Trade Buzz
While a KAT or Hart trade might be surprising, don’t be shocked if Deuce McBride finds himself in a different jersey soon. Stein and Fischer are reporting that rival teams are already calling McBride “a likely trade candidate as the season unfolds.” This makes a ton of sense, right? McBride was a solid role player on that championship squad last year, and his contract is affordable and expiring. That’s a golden ticket for any contender looking to beef up their roster as the trade deadline gets closer. His situation is definitely one to watch, because teams will be lining up for a player with his resume and contract status.
What’s next for the Knicks, then? With the NBA season just over a week away, the focus shifts from contract drama back to the court. New York will be defending their title, but these contract decisions, or lack thereof, are going to be looming over the team all season.
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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