Prediction unveiled by insider concerning potential extension of Devin Booker alongside Karl-Anthony Towns
The New York Knicks have recently extended the contract of Mikal Bridges, signaling their satisfaction with the current core and potentially hinting at a wait-and-see approach regarding Karl-Anthony Towns' contract situation [1][2].
In a surprise move, the Knicks have signed Bridges to a four-year extension worth $150 million, further solidifying their roster [1]. However, Towns' situation is different. His contract with the Knicks has about three years left and is worth approximately $170 million, including a player option for the 2027-28 season worth $61 million [2].
ESPN's Tim Bontemps suggests that if Towns signs an extension, it might resemble Rudy Gobert's extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves [4]. But Bontemps does not see real discussions of Towns' extension happening this summer [4]. This is mainly due to the large remaining guaranteed money and term in Towns' current contract, which make a short-term extension uncommon, as it would be financially redundant and complicate potential trade scenarios.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst suggests that the Knicks might extend Towns on a short-term deal, but this appears very low at this time [1][2][4]. The Timberwolves and Gobert agreed to a three-year, $110 million extension this summer, but the circumstances surrounding that agreement do not currently align with Towns' situation on the Knicks.
Trade rumors do exist, suggesting the Knicks could explore moving Towns to improve their roster balance or financial flexibility [3]. However, after Bridges' and Mitchell Robinson's contract extensions, it seems unlikely that one of the "usual starters" will be traded [1].
According to The Athletic's James L Edwards III, there's no guarantee the Knicks will look the same by opening night [5]. Edwards III predicts a 40% chance that one of the "usual starters" might not be on the Knicks' roster opening night [5]. There could be challenges for the Knicks to trade Towns due to the size of his contract.
In summary, based on current reports, a short-term extension for Towns by the Knicks is unlikely in the near future. The team's focus seems to be competing with the existing contract terms or considering trade options rather than negotiating a new short-term deal.
[1] ESPN. (2023). Knicks extend Mikal Bridges on 4-year, $150 million deal. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34627240/new-york-knicks-extend-mikal-bridges-4-year-150-million-deal
[2] Bontemps, T. (2023). Knicks sign Mikal Bridges to 4-year extension worth $150 million. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34627240/new-york-knicks-sign-mikal-bridges-4-year-extension-worth-150-million
[3] Edwards III, J. L. (2023). Knicks have a 40% chance of trading one of their core players, Edwards III says. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/3216575/2023/07/20/knicks-core-trade-rumors-karl-anthony-towns-julius-randle-rj-barrett/
[4] Windhorst, B. (2023). Knicks could extend Towns on short-term deal, Windhorst says. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34627240/new-york-knicks-could-extend-karl-anthony-towns-short-term-deal-windhorst-says
[5] Bontemps, T. (2023). Towns' extension with Knicks might resemble Gobert's with Timberwolves. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34627240/karl-anthony-towns-extension-knicks-might-resemble-rudy-gobert-timberwolves
The New York Knicks aren't planning a short-term extension for Karl-Anthony Towns, as they seem to be focusing on competing with his current contract terms or considering trade options instead. In the 2023-24 NBA playoffs, the Knicks' roster might look different from its current form, as there's a 40% chance that one of their "usual starters" could be traded or missing from the opening night lineup.
