Karl Anthony Towns & Josh Hart Talks Becoming a 'Growing Cloud' Around the Knicks

It's been one big party all summer for the New York Knicks, as they celebrated the iconic franchise's first NBA championship since 1973.

But now, as training camp is underway, the reality has set in on what the team can and will do to keep the good times going. And according to insider Shams Charania, the uncertainty about extensions for Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart has left a "growing cloud" around the team. 

The temperature could rise before the trade deadline if Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart do not agree to a contract extension with the Knicks, per @ShamsCharania "This is a growing cloud around the New York Knicks. So far, these sides are not close" https://t.co/2wAsxdrGus

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 5, 2026

This is a growing cloud around the New York Knicks. So far, these sides are not close.

Shams went on to say that the Knicks are offering Towns, who has a player option on next season, a four-year, $200 million extension. And while KAT says he's willing to take a discount, he feels that this is too extreme of a pay cut (maybe he's been talking to Jalen Duren, who also felt "disrespected" by the Detroit Pistons' $200M offer. He has since accepted it). 

Shams Charania on Karl-Anthony Towns' contract situation with the Knicks: "This is a growing cloud around the New York Knicks. So far, these sides are not close" Via @ohnohedidnt24 https://t.co/iohke1pKFu

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) October 5, 2026

"James Dolan, their owner, has made it clear that this team will not be in the second apron moving forward." 

Hart is entering the final guaranteed year of his deal, at $20.9M, and is the other key member of the championship team looking for an extension. 

The thought is that if these deals aren't done as the February trade deadline approaches, "the temperature could rise".