Karl-Anthony Towns very disappointed Knicks shut down contract talks: News to me

Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t sugarcoat his emotions. The Knicks’ decision to cut off contract extension talks via a statement released Friday didn’t sit well with him, coming as “news to me.” “Obviously very disappointed, to say the least.Let’s be honest here,” the big man said Sunday.

“But even though there was no business done, there’s still business to be handled.After 53 years, we found a way to bring this trophy back to New York, and we intend for it to stay in New York.” Towns had been vocal about the stalled talks, especially since the Knicks are coming off their first championship since 1973.

The Post previously reported the Knicks offered Towns a four-year deal worth about $200 million.That is $77 million less than his max and a pay cut from his current $57 million salary.

Towns is willing to take a discount, but not such a drastic one. Last week, Towns said he was surprised a new deal hadn’t materialized.When asked if he expected one, the six-time All-Star responded: “No s–t, Sherlock.

I just won a championship.You’d think it was pretty easy.

Unless you guys [reporters] think I have something else to prove.” An extension isn’t coming for the foreseeable future after the Knicks said Friday they “will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season.” Josh Hart and Miles McBride are also eligible for extensions.The front office is navigating owner James Dolan’s mandate to stay under the second apron. Hart broached the topic Saturday, saying he won’t let his contract interfere with the task at hand.

The Knicks hold a $22.3 million team option on Hart for 2027-28. “Obviously, we have high expectations,” Hart said.“It’s good to be able to just focus on the season and keep it moving.” Complicating matters, Towns has until Oct.

19 to decline his $61 million player option for 2027-28.Otherwise, he cannot sign a c...