It’s been two weeks since the New York Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, and since then, questions have been swirling about Karl-Anthony Towns’ future with the team as we approach the offseason.
Towns is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and there have been rumors that he might leave or that the Knicks will try to trade him.
Towns is under contract for the next three seasons, during which his salary is expected to increase by $4 million per year. The last year of his contract is expected to be a player option.
If the Knicks were to extend him, they would be paying Towns, who will be in his mid-30s, an average salary of $75 million. The question is whether the Knicks are willing to spend that type of money or whether it would be best for the franchise in the long term to trade him this offseason, with hopes of acquiring Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The deadline to decide to extend Towns is Oct. 20, so the Knicks do have time to figure out the long-term plan for him if they aren’t able to acquire Durant or Giannis this offseason. It is, however, in the Knicks’ best interest for their future if Karl Anthony Towns is part of their team long term before extending him.
Since the Knicks acquired him from the Minnesota Timberwolves last October, Towns has averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with the Knicks.
