The New York Knicks are still on cloud nine after winning their first championship in five decades, but they can't afford to make a big Karl-Anthony Towns mistake. Towns is eligible for a 4-year, $272 million extension.
Despite that, the Knicks are wary of giving him that contract due to looming second-apron concerns per The Athletic's James L. Edwards. While not giving him an extension after helping them win a championship seems like classic Knicks behavior, they are actually smart not to do so.
New York will have to make some tough financial decisions. In fact, there is a scenario in which they could be paying both Towns and star Jalen Brunson more than $120 million in two years. That is unsustainable considering the second apron restrictions.
The Knicks send a clear message to Karl-Anthony Towns
They will eventually have to decide whether to keep Towns and move on from Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Or whether to move on from Towns and continue with Brunson, Bridges, and Anunoby.
That is a difficult decision for New York to make, but that's the reality of the current collective bargaining agreement. Therefore, they will have to make the most of next season before making tough financial decisions.
Even so, they can't afford to back down from their initial decision regarding Towns' extension. If they do so, that would be a costly mistake that could derail their repeat plans before next season even begins.
The Knicks must stick to their Towns contract decision
Interestingly, the Knicks acquired Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves due to concerns about the second apron. Now, the Knicks could soon find themselves in a scenario where they are forced to give up Towns for the same reason.
It won't affect their repeat chances next season, but it could affect them the year after, with them having to decide whether to trade him or keep him. Between those two options, I expect them to trade him.
Although he was crucial to their championship run, keeping Brunson, Bridges, and Anunoby is more important than keeping Towns. Having an elite point guard and two well-above-average two-way wings is a better foundation for a championship contender than Brunson and Towns.
Still, it will be a shame for the Knicks to be forced to give up on Towns after they did everything right to build a championship team around him and Brunson.
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