BOSTON — Despite no traction on a contract extension, Karl-Anthony Towns said his relationship with the front office remains strong and he hopes to continue his career with the Knicks.
“Hell yeah. Hell yeah, I want to stay here,” Towns said before scoring 29 points in Tuesday’s 123-117 loss to the Celtics. “Obviously get a chance to be home, see my family. It means more than the money, you know.
“So just to be able to be here with the fans, be with the family. It means a lot. I would like it to continue.”
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) looks to drive past Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Towns and the Knicks failed to reach an agreement during the extension window before the Oct. 20 deadline, when he was eligible for two years and $150 million tacked on to his current deal.
He will again be eligible for an extension after the 2026 NBA Finals, according to ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks, when Towns’ max would be around four years, $260 million.
The center is unlikely to command such a high salary but could still sign at a lesser amount.
“Me, [team president Leon Rose] and [Senior VP of basketball operations Gersson Rosas] and everyone, we’re great,” Towns said. “I’ll go have lunch with them right now. We’re good.”
Counting this season, Towns, 30, has at least two years and roughly $110 million remaining on his contract. In other words, he can’t become a free agent until at least 2027. He also has a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season, so there’s a decent chance he won’t hit the market until 2028.
With so much time remaining on Towns’ contract, there was no rush from the Knicks to get a deal done before this season.
But the conversation will become more important after the Finals.
Towns entered Tuesday’s game against the Celtics averaging 21.7 points and 11.9 rebounds 44.9 percent shooting. It’s a career low for efficiency as Towns adjusts to Mike Brown’s system, with better results when he plays center instead of power forward.
“It’s just a different place I’m in in our system. Totally different system. So when I’m 5 or I’m 4, it’s a totally different script for me in the game,” Towns said. “Trying to impact winning as much as possible and I’m happy I’m able to do that so far this year.”
Mikal Bridges said his buddy Landry Shamet is feeling comfortable about his situation after positive news about his shoulder injury.
“I think just more his spirits,” Bridges said. “I’m happy about seeing him, compared to last year where he was in fine spirits, but he (was different because he) knew that the situation he was in with trying to make the team.”
Shamet is currently rehabbing a sprained right shoulder after it popped out of its socket Nov. 22 in a game at Orlando. Although Shamet’s on a nonguaranteed deal, the Knicks plan to keep him on the roster as he recovers — with a reevaluation scheduled in about three weeks.
Last preseason, Shamet dislocated the same shoulder and was waived by the Knicks before rehabbing and re-signing.
“I think at that moment last year compared to now him having a rhythm and understanding his role, the confidence he has in knowing that, it’s just a different type of security,” Bridges said, “and I think his spirits being high gives me confidence, gives us all confidence, he’ll be OK and waiting for him to get back.”
