The potential James Dolan reason Karl-Anthony Towns could leave New York Knicks
· Yahoo Sports
Brian Windhorst explains why one James Dolan edict could lead to Karl-Anthony Towns’ New York Knicks departure.
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The New York Knicks are enjoying success they haven’t seen in half a century in 2026. Alongside Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns has been crucial to bringing an NBA title back to the Big Apple.
Good things cannot always last. Karl-Anthony Towns has only two years left on his contract, and the last one is a $61 million player option. Discussions about an extension have been ongoing.
The latest reports suggest those talks have stalled. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says that while a deal should still get done, there is one reason related to James Dolan that could lead to KAT moving on.
Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty ImagesBrian Windhorst claims James Dolan has issued an edict about not going into the second apron
The second apron has become a scary prospect for all NBA franchises. Made to ensure parity, it imposes serious restrictions on teams in the form of massive tax bills and numerous restrictions in trade and free agency.
Windhorst is confident that both sides will still work out a deal. He pointed out that the only way Towns could possibly leave is if this James Dolan stance is utterly non-negotiable.
“What KAT does will determine if Knicks core can stay together,” Windhorst said. “He’s got a $61 million option for (not this season) next season. Knicks have said ‘we don’t wanna be in 2nd apron.’
“If he picks up that option they’re gonna be in the 2nd apron. So what they are gonna ultimately need him to do is not take that option and reduce that, and that is the basis for this conversation. That is the basis for all of it.
“They’ll get a deal done…. With one caveat… If James Dolan messes this up. Dolan has issued an edict – no second apron come hell or high water. If that indeed remains the case and they proceed that way with Karl Towns, he will have the option to go someplace and get a max.
“He wants to be in New York. He wants the team to stay together. But if Jim Dolan sets an ironclad spot and forces Karl to the market, he will have max offers. He can get that kind of money next summer if he wants to.”
The idea of KAT leaving considering the Knicks just won a championship seems absurd. However, stranger things have happened, and Dolan has been known for his stubborn nature, too.
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