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Knicks Start Camp Without Towns Extension, Seek Discount

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 3:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The New York Knicks began training camp without a contract extension for All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Owner James Dolan said the team will not exceed the NBA’s second tax apron.
The Knicks are asking Towns to take a discount on his four-year max exceeding $272 million.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported a pre-camp extension for Towns is unlikely.
Towns said family and fans matter more than money, despite the discount request.

History

Historical Context

The 161-day 2011 NBA lockout ended on Dec 8 2011 with a CBA that added a luxury-tax apron, limiting team payroll to $109 million before a $132 million buffer. In 2024 Knicks owner James Dolan asked All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns to trim his max contract to keep the franchise under the apron. The request reflects the same financial constraints that shaped post-lockout spending.

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Story summary

The New York Knicks began training camp without a contract extension for All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Owner James Dolan said the team will not exceed the NBA’s second tax apron.
The Knicks are asking Towns to take a discount on his four-year max exceeding $272 million.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported a pre-camp extension for Towns is unlikely.
Towns said family and fans matter more than money, despite the discount request.

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