EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe awkwardness surrounding the New York Knicks and key players continues in the aftermath of the team announcing it would not negotiate contract extensions until later in the season.Karl-Anthony Towns is the most notable, and been the most vocal Knick amidst extension talks since the preseason began, and issued a response of his own following Sunday's practice."It was news to me," he told reporters. "Very disappointed to say the least. Let's state the obvious. It's business but there is business on the court for us to handle."Towns is eligible for a contract extension worth $276 million, and he and the Knicks are currently at a stalemate. Knicks owner James Dolan has stated he will not allow the team to go into the second apron. According to sources, the Knicks offer to Towns is a $200 million contract over four years.Towns was a catalyst in the Knicks winning their first NBA title in 53 years, making the All-Star team for the sixth time and averaging 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in the playoffs.In addition to Towns, swingman Josh Hart is also extension eligible, with a team option for next season. Reserves Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are, as well. One of the consequences of avoiding the second apron was losing backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics this summer at a salary starting at $15 million. To replace him, they signed Andre Drummond for the league minimum ($2.4 million).The Knicks issued a statement Friday morning, tabling all contract extension discussions."As an organization, our entire focus is preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of," the statement said. "As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season."Towns has a player option for next season worth $61 million and should the Knicks and Towns want to come back to the table during the season, it would require Towns to decline that option. Towns said he hadn't thought that far ahead."Because I never thought we would get to that point," Towns said. "But I think right now what's best for our team is we just focus on the basketball. It's gonna be a fun game tomorrow."He didn't deny being disappointed. Towns has twice made statements surrounding his contract situation in the preseason, perhaps leading to the Knicks issuing their rare public statement late last week."We're all humans," Towns said. "My only philosophy since we won, the only thing I've had in my mind is about how do we win another one. So for me, it's the same focus that I came in this season with. How do we keep the trophy in New York past just this one summer?"
