Column: The Knicks need to do whatever it takes to keep Karl-Anthony Towns

Tomer Azarly argues that the New York Knicks must make every effort to retain Karl-Anthony Towns by offering him a contract closer to his four-year, $277 million maximum extension eligibility. Towns is currently negotiating an extension after helping New York secure its first NBA championship since 1973, but the Knicks have reportedly presented an opening offer of four years and $200 million.

Towns publicly expressed frustration with the low offer following his strong postseason, including defending Victor Wembanyama in the 2026 NBA Finals. Despite second apron financial restrictions, Azarly contends that New York cannot afford to alienate its star center or lose key core players.