Haines: Towns is willing to take a pay cut to re-sign, but significant differences remain between the two sides.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes on Thursday, contract extension negotiations between the New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns have yet to break down. Towns has indicated to the Knicks that he is willing to accept a contract below the maximum salary, but significant differences remain between the two sides.

The Knicks reportedly offered Towns a four-year, $200 million contract extension, about $77 million short of his maximum salary offer. However, given the Knicks' desire to keep their total salary below the second-highest earner threshold, the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement on the extension.

Karl-Anthony Towns, 30, is a 2.13-meter tall, 112-kilogram center who entered the NBA as the number one overall pick in 2015. He spent his first nine seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, playing a total of 573 regular season games, averaging 22.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 34.0 minutes per game.

Since joining the Knicks in October 2024, Towns has played 147 regular season games, averaging 22.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 32.9 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 51.4% and a three-point percentage of 39.5%. He also played 37 playoff games for the Knicks, averaging 18.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 32.9 minutes per game, leading the team to the NBA championship last season.

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