Knicks $80M fan favorite could seek trade as Karl-Anthony Towns contract dispute continues image
The New York Knicks find themselves in an interesting situation as of late, especially with their team and future contracts. The current dilemma is surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns and the inability of both sides to come to an agreement they can manage.
The center helped New York win a championship last season and played a vital role in the Finals. However, he doesn’t feel like he has been given the contract he feels he deserves.
“Simply put – I want to do something to keep the team together and can work with the Knicks and also values me. And none of those things are close to happening," Towns said.
While Towns is the current problem, it very well could become a problem for fan favorite Josh Hart too. Heading into the summer, it was clear that the guard had to make a decision on whether he wanted to chase the highest contract or stay on a team-friendly deal.
“Hart — who has never gotten paid like the other four Knicks starters — must weigh the importance of maximizing earnings at this stage of his career versus doing his part to keep this team together as long as possible,” The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III wrote.
Hart is a big piece for the Knicks, as he has great chemistry with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that if a deal doesn’t get done before the regular season, Hart could want out at the trade deadline.
“Josh Hart has already hinted that, as this gets closer to February, which is around the trade deadline, the temperature could rise if Karl-Anthony Towns and Hart himself are not extended. So far, these sides are not close,” Charania said.
If nothing gets done, New York is likely going to lose a big part of their lineup. Hart has logged a lot of minutes in the NBA, even leading the league at times in minutes played per game.
Hart is currently on a $80 million deal. This is not a spot the Knicks want to be in, but it is one everyone knew would come at some point. Hart would be a big loss, and at this point, it might be about prioritizing him or Towns more.
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