Knicks Defer Extension Talks Until Later Season

The New York Knicks on October 9, 2026 said they will not negotiate contract extensions until later in the season. A team spokesman said the entire focus is preparing for the campaign and delivering a year fans can be proud of. The pause covers Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek. The Knicks won the 2026 title in June, their first since 1973, beating the Spurs in Finals Game 5 on June 13. Owner James Dolan said the team would avoid second-apron penalties. Towns is eligible for a four-year max worth about $276 million, due $57 million this season, with a $61.1 million player option for 2027-28. The Athletic reported a roughly $200 million four-year offer; other reports cited $45-50 million average annual value. Towns told reporters earlier in the week, "It don't look good," and said he wants a deal that keeps the team together, works with the Knicks and values him, none of which had come close. Hart, due $21 million this season with a $22.4 million team option for 2027-28, said last month unresolved deals by February might mean a different conversation. McBride enters his final contract year and could be an unrestricted free agent next summer. No dispute on the pause appears in the record; talks resume later this season.