The awkwardness surrounding the New York Knicks and key players continues in the aftermath of the team announcing it would not negotiate contract extensions until later in the season.
Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been the most vocal Knick amid extension talks since the preseason began, issued a response of his own following Sunday's practice.
"It was news to me," he told reporters. "Very disappointed to say the least. Let's state the obvious: It's business, but there is business on the court for us to handle."
Towns is eligible for an extension worth up to $276 million, but he and the Knicks are at a stalemate. Knicks owner James Dolan has said he will not allow the team to go into the second salary cap apron. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Knicks' offer to Towns is for $200 million over four years.
Towns was a catalyst in the Knicks winning their first NBA title in 53 years last season, making the All-Star team for the sixth time and averaging 15.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in the playoffs.
In addition to Towns, swingman Josh Hart is eligible for an extension eligible, though he has a team option for next season. Reserves Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are also eligible for new deals. One consequence of avoiding the second apron was losing backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics this summer at a salary starting at $15 million. To replace him, the Knicks signed Andre Drummond for the league minimum ($2.4 million).
The Knicks issued a statement Friday saying they were tabling all discussions on extensions.
"As an organization, our entire focus is preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of," the statement read. "As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season."
Towns has a player option for next season worth $61 million. Should he and the team come back to the table during the season, the star would have to decline that option. Towns said he hadn't thought that far ahead.
"Because I never thought we would get to that point," Towns said. "But I think right now what's best for our team is we just focus on the basketball. It's going to be a fun game tomorrow."
He didn't deny being disappointed. Towns has twice made statements surrounding his contract situation in the preseason, perhaps leading to the Knicks issuing their rare public statement late last week.
"We're all humans," Towns said. "My only philosophy since we won, the only thing I've had in my mind, is about how do we win another one. So for me it's the same focus that I came in this season with: How do we keep the trophy in New York past just this one summer?"