Karl-Anthony Towns Says Pause In Contract Negotiations Is ‘News To Me’

The New York Knicks have decided to pause talks with Karl-Anthony Towns about a contract extension after their championship, and he hasn’t held back.

Towns said he is “very disappointed” after the pause in the discussions. He seems to enjoy it in New York, or at least feels entitled to the chance to discuss it.

“News to me,” he said, so he didn’t get notified before the public did.

He said he still intends to play hard for the Knicks next season, and he still has two years left on his current contract. 

“But even though there was no business done, there’s still business to be handled. After 53 years, we found a way to bring this trophy back to New York, and we intend for it to stay in New York.” 

Plenty of rumors circulate about potential destinations; however, the pause in contract extension talks means the Knicks could look to trade the big man for value.

The Golden State Warriors are among the top rumored landing spots if the Knicks do decide to trade. The team has lacked a consistent big man in a while to go alongside forward Draymond Green, who usually plays the five role. The Knicks traded for Kristaps Porzingis before he got injured, and a mysterious health issue has him out indefinitely.

There is no confirmation he will be traded; the Knicks could be waiting to see his performance this year or sticking to their original plan, which is to manage the salary cap.

Regardless of the negotiations, his past play has nothing to do with it. He helped the team win a championship and is still a top-end center in the NBA. His being the Knicks’ highest-paid player right now is likely why he’s holding out until the end of the season.