Although the New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns are reportedly at an impasse in contract talks, the star center remains keen on signing an extension with the defending NBA champions.
"I've made it known I want to play here," Towns said Monday, according to Vincent Goodwill of ESPN. "I've been a fan since I was a kid. I'd like to get it done and step on the floor and feel as comfortable as possible."
Towns, who's eligible for a four-year deal worth over $276 million, is due $57 million for the 2026-27 campaign and has a $61.1-million player option for next season.
"The first thing is we try to talk about everything. We don't leave any elephants in the room," the six-time All-Star said. "They'll figure it out, and our group has done a fantastic job of understanding that we can only control what we can control."
Knicks owner James Dolan has said he's apprehensive about crossing the second-apron threshold. The club is currently around $3.3 million below the second-apron tax line.
"I have no interest in that," Towns said when asked about the team's second apron. "It is what it is. (Knicks team president) Leon (Rose) trusts me with stuff on the court, and I trust him with that stuff."
The 30-year-old averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 50% shooting across 75 regular-season games last season. He also posted 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks per contest on 55.1% shooting in the playoffs, leading the Knicks to their first title in 53 years.
