Examining both sides of the KAT-Knicks contract dilemma - ESPN

Karl-Anthony Towns has repeatedly stated his goal is a new deal to remain with the New York Knicks.

And since the NBA Finals concluded in June, Towns has been eligible for one: a four-year, $276 million contract extension that would keep him with the defending champs through the 2030-31 season. However, as sources told ESPN's Shams Charania, the Knicks' latest offer to Towns was a four-year deal worth approximately $200 million.

The reason: A max contract for the 30-year-old All-Star center would introduce major second apron concerns, a space Knicks owner James Dolan has shown no interest in occupying. Towns, for his part, says he is willing to meet somewhere in the middle.

«I want to do something that can keep the team together and work with the Knicks and also values me,» Towns said Monday. «None of those things have come close to happening.»

Will the Knicks enter opening night without getting a deal done? How hard should Towns push in negotiations? What options would be available next summer?

ESPN NBA insiders Ben Golliver, Zach Kram and Bobby Marks examine both sides of the Towns-Knicks contract talks — plus the deal our resident general manager would choose.

Towns has every reason to push hard in these negotiations. Recent history suggests that teams basking in the championship afterglow almost always do what it takes to financially reward their core players.

Although Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby outperformed Towns in the NBA Finals, the Knicks should view the 7-footer as an indispensable part of their title formula. Without Towns to space the floor, New York's Brunson-led offense wouldn't be as effective. Without Towns stepping up defensively against Victor Wembanyama — the San Antonio Spurs star was held well