Josh Hart Says 'Everything's Going to Work Out' After Knicks Table Contract Talks Before NBA Season

The New York Knicks have tabled contract extension talks with center Karl-Anthony Towns and guard Josh Hart, but Hart isn't worried as the defending champions get ready for the season.

In a statement released Friday, a Knicks spokesperson confirmed the team will pause all contract talks as the team prepares to defend its NBA title.

"As an organization, our entire focus is on preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of. As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season."

Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, Towns, Hart and guards Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are eligible for extensions.

Towns is eligible for a four-year, $276 million deal. The Knicks offered him a four-year deal worth about $200 million, the New York Post's Stefan Bondy reported.

Towns is making $57 million this season and can become a free agent next offseason if he declines his $61.1 million player option.

Last season, Towns averaged 20.1 points on 50.1 percent shooting, 11.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

Hart is eligible for a contract extension of four years and up to approximately $132 million, per James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

He will make $20.9 million this season. The Knicks hold a team option for $22.3 million in 2027-28. Hart averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 66 starts last season.

Obviously, Towns and Hart played invaluable roles en route to helping guide the Knicks to their first championship since 1973, and it behooves New York to get long-term deals done with both of them. Contracts don't appear imminent for either, which is a bit more worrisome in Towns' case since he can elect free agency next season.

In the meantime, the Knicks are focused on their title defense beginning Oct. 20 against the Philadelphia 76ers.