Karl-Anthony Towns Knicks contract talks stall as $272 million question looms

Extension talks with Karl-Anthony Towns have stalled as Knicks training camp nears, but the sides haven’t given up on an agreement.Towns has been eligible for an extension since early August and the Knicks, as The Post reported earlier this month, are asking him to take a discount from his max of four years, $272 million.It’s part of the front office’s attempt to keep the championship core together amid James Dolan’s mandate of staying below the second apron.With Jalen Brunson eligible for a big extension next year (four years, $257 million), the Knicks are watching their spending now and Towns — a multi-time All-Star — is in the middle.New York’s exact offer to Towns is unclear but ESPN reported Wednesday that “a deal before training camp is considered unlikely.” It’s relevant because the story will now hang over camp and beyond.But the sides also have all season to negotiate.“There’s been plenty of conversations with KAT, all cordial, all positive,” a league source told The Post.

“We want KAT to be here for a long time.“And just because a deal isn’t done now doesn’t mean it can’t get done.” Sign up for Inside the Knicks by Stefan Bondy, a weekly exclusive on Sports+.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Towns was also eligible for an extension before last season and didn’t come close to an agreement.

He expressed a desire to stay with the Knicks and was key to the championship run, transforming into a playmaking force at the elbow while elevating his defense in the playoffs.Both Towns and the Knicks can feel they have leverage in these negotiations.With the Knicks, there’s time to assess since contract eligibility extends through the season.

For Towns, who visibly dropped weight in the offseason, there’s the threat of leaving in free agency in 2027 while arme...