Knicks expected to discuss extension with Karl-Anthony Towns

Less than a year ago, Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns found himself mentioned in trade rumors.

Now, he may be on the verge of something much bigger.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, there is an expectation that the Knicks and Towns could discuss a contract extension this offseason as New York moves within two wins of its first NBA championship since 1973.

Towns has been a major reason why.

The veteran big man has helped lead the Knicks to a 2-0 series lead over the Spurs in the NBA Finals, continuing a postseason run that has transformed him from a player occasionally mentioned in trade speculation into one of the driving forces behind New York’s championship pursuit.

While the financial details remain to be seen, Amick reported that Towns would have to decline his player option for the 2027-28 season to sign an extension this summer. Whether the Knicks would be willing to offer a maximum deal remains uncertain given the club’s already sizable payroll and several upcoming roster decisions.

Towns has been outstanding throughout the postseason, averaging 17.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting an efficient 57.0 percent from the field, 48.1 percent from three-point range and 90.0 percent from the free-throw line.

He’s also delivered strong defense, helping the Knicks win 13 consecutive playoff games — the second-longest postseason winning streak in NBA history behind only the 2017 Warriors.

According to Amick, Towns owns the best on/off-court numbers among New York’s regular rotation players during the playoffs.

The turnaround has been remarkable.

After extension talks were tabled last offseason, Towns later surfaced in trade rumors tied to Giannis Antetokounmpo and was again mentioned as a possible trade candidate during a midseason slump.

Now, instead of wondering about his future, the Knicks may be preparing to reward him.