New Karl-Anthony Towns Rumors Reveal Stance on Knicks' Proposed Pay Cut amid Contract Talks

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns is reportedly willing to follow in star point guard Jalen Brunson's footsteps as he seeks a contract extension, but only to a point.

On Tuesday's episode of NBA Today, ESPN's Malika Andrews reported that Towns "is also willing to take a pay cut, but the pay cut that the Knicks are asking him to take, he views as unreasonable."

Brunson set a precedent when he signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension in the 2024 offseason, $113 million less than the five-year, $269.1 million deal he would've received if he had waited a year to sign a new deal. His unselfishness paid off, as the Knicks were able to build a championship roster that won the franchise's first title since 1973.

Towns is eligible for a four-year contract extension worth over $276 million. Under his current deal, he is set to make $57 million this season and has a $61.1 million player option for next season.

During Monday's media day, Towns declared that he wants to remain in New York on a long-term deal.

"I've made it known I want to play here," Towns told reporters. "I've been a fan since I was a kid. I'd like to get it done and step on the floor and feel as comfortable as possible."

When asked if he would be comfortable with continuing contract discussions after the 2026-27 season starts next month, Towns said, "In this situation, there's no comfortability to be had."

The Knicks appear determined to remain under the second apron, so Towns likely will have to settle for a compromise if he wants to secure a long-term extension.