Knicks apparently have $76 million problem with Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns is eligible for a four-year, $276 million extension from the Knicks.

The Knicks seem to have another number in mind. A much smaller one.

New York is “far more interested” in an extension closer to four years and $200 million, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, as relayed by RealGM.

That leaves the sides about $76 million apart, though Towns reportedly is willing to accept less than the maximum.

So there’s a deal to be made. They just aren’t particularly close to making it yet.

The Knicks’ position isn’t difficult to understand. Towns has a $61 million player option for 2027-28, and New York continues to deal with the roster-building restrictions that come with operating around the second apron. Replacing that option with a lower annual salary on a longer extension could create considerably more flexibility.

Towns, meanwhile, doesn’t exactly lack leverage. He was an All-NBA selection during his first season in New York and helped the Knicks win the 2026 NBA championship. He can also become a free agent in 2027 if the sides never find common ground on an extension.

None of this suggests Towns is headed anywhere. There’s plenty of time for New York and its star big man to find a number both can live with.

They’ve apparently found two numbers already. The problem is there’s $76 million between them.