The New York Knicks are still riding high after winning their first championship in more than 50 years, but storm clouds could be forming. According to ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, a looming contract extension for star Karl-Anthony Towns could cost them $287 million over 4 years.
That would work out to being around $71 million annually. As ESPN's Bobby Marks points out, there's a scenario in which Towns and Jalen Brunson could combine for 80% of the salary cap as early as the 2028-29 season.
Given the second apron, that wouldn't be feasible with them also having Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Both will make at least $35 million over the next three seasons
The New York Knicks will soon run up into the second apron
The Knicks will still have next season to try and run it back and see if they can repeat. However, after that, he may be forced to break up their core of Brunson, Towns, Anunoby, and Bridges.
Odds are, Bridges and/or Anunoby might need to be moved to offset Towns' deal. That's unfortunate since the Knicks got to this point by smart team building. Be that as it may, they could be punished by the frankly ridiculous collective bargaining agreement.
The second apron shouldn't break up great teams. The Knicks could repeat as champions and still run into the same problem. That's unless Towns takes a big pay cut to help the Knicks stay below the second apron.
The Knicks have two options to bypass the second apron
Perhaps taking a short-term extension for far less than the max might give the Knicks another year or two with their current core. However, barring that, New York may be forced to make tough decisions.
Decisions much like the Boston Celtics were forced to make when they traded Jaylen Brown.
Could the Knicks consider moving on from Towns by trying to turn him into two or three smaller contracts? That's possible but certainly not something they want to think about after having just won a championship.
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