Stephen A. Smith says he does not believe Knicks owner James Dolan is interfering in Karl-Anthony Towns’ stalled extension talks, but fears the Knicks’ first NBA title in 53 years could prompt Dolan to resume a hands-on role in basketball decisions.
Towns is eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $276 million. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that talks, which had been positive earlier in the offseason, have stagnated, making an agreement before training camp unlikely. Towns is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract at about $57 million, with a player option worth around $61 million for 2027-28.
The Knicks are below the NBA’s second apron this season, but Charania reported that keeping the same group next season would put them above it. The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy reported the team wants Towns to accept less than the maximum to manage the threshold and preserve room for Jalen Brunson; Smith also cited future commitments for Josh Hart, Brunson and OG Anunoby. Dolan hired Leon Rose as team president in 2020 and gave him full basketball control.
