Knicks pause contract talks to focus on title defence

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 16:49 · Archive

The New York Knicks have paused contract extension negotiations with key players to concentrate on season preparation. Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, both central to the team's first NBA championship since 1973 in June, had hoped to complete extensions before the season began. A team spokesman said: 'As an organization, our entire focus is on preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of. As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season.'

Towns, an All-Star in both seasons with the Knicks, is eligible for a four-year deal worth $276 million and is due to make $57 million this season, with a $61.1 million player option for 2027-28. Hart will make $21 million this season with the Knicks holding a $22.4 million option for 2027-28. The pause also affects reserve Deuce McBride.

Owner James Dolan previously indicated the team would avoid spending enough to trigger penalties at the second apron of the salary cap, though the Knicks re-signed most of their important free agents.

How it is being reported

• Knicks say they are pausing contract negotiations and will focus solely on preparing for the seasonThe New York Knicks are focused on their NBA title defense now and will worry about contract negotiations later.Clickorlando · 9 Oct, 15:41
• Knicks say they are pausing contract negotiations and will focus solely on preparing for the seasonThe New York Knicks are focused on their NBA title defense now and will worry about contract negotiations later.News4Jax · 9 Oct, 15:41

In this story: New York Knicks · Karl-Anthony Towns · Josh Hart · Deuce McBride · James Dolan

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