Karl-Anthony Towns reveals why he’d take a pay cut to stay with Knicks as contract drama lingers

Karl-Anthony Towns stated during an interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews that he would accept a pay cut to remain with the New York Knicks. Towns explained his priority is keeping the championship-winning core together, adding that demanding a maximum contract was never on his mind. Sitting alongside him, teammate Jalen Brunson jokingly urged Towns to sign the contract.

Towns is entering the final guaranteed year of his deal after averaging 15.9 points and 10.6 rebounds during the Knicks' championship run. Earlier this month, the Knicks announced they paused contract extension talks until later in the season. Towns admitted he was disappointed by the decision, but emphasized his commitment to defending the franchise's title.