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The Karl-Anthony Towns and New York Knicks contract dispute is one of the hottest topics coming into the 2026-27 NBA season with potential landing spots being named for Towns in the case of an exit from New York.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks could be potential destinations for Towns if he doesn't extend with the Knicks and rejects the 2027-28 player option entering the 2027 free agency.
Windhorst suggests that the team could rebuild around Jalen Brunson if Towns walks away and leaves cap space open for New York, as the summer of 2027 is expected to have many interesting free agents.
However, the most likely scenario is that KAT will return to New York as the team won a championship together and would like to try to repeat that success.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Knicks and Towns remain far apart on extension
New York reportedly offered Towns a four-year deal worth around $200 million, roughly $77 million below the maximum extension he is eligible to receive.
The Knicks have since officially paused extension negotiations until later in the season, with Towns publicly expressing disappointment over the lack of progress.
"It was news to me," KAT said. "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."
The six-time All-Star averaged 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds during the 2025-26 regular season before posting 15.9 points and 10.6 rebounds during New York's championship playoff run.