According to Shams Charania, extension negotiations between the New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns have stagnated, and a deal before training camp is unlikely. Notably, Towns is eligible for a four-year, $276 million deal, and he's seeking somewhere around $45 to $50 million per year.
With a $61 million player option, KAT could feasibly enter free agency next summer. Understandably, Minnesota Timberwolves fans have started speculating (or perhaps simply hoping) that this could mean Towns could soon return to the Twin Cities.
As exciting as this possibility might seem, Wolves fans shouldn't get their hopes up. The reality is Towns is seeking a long-term contract worth $45 to $50 million a year, and the Wolves won't be able to meet this demand. And the idea that he'd turn down a $61 million player option to take less in free agency feels unlikely, even if it meant going back to Minnesota.
A Karl-Anthony Towns-Timberwolves reunion is a pipe dream
Per Bobby Marks' projections, eight teams will have max cap space next summer: the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings.
Now, if Rudy Gobert and Jonathan Kuminga decline their player options, the Wolves would have over $65 million in space under the second apron. They could also decline Cody Williams' team option to get above $70 million in second apron space.
Keep in mind, though, this would require Towns to sign for somewhere around the mid-$40 million range annually and for the Timberwolves to round out their roster (adding at least five players) with minimum contracts. This isn't practical or realistic given that KAT would be turning down a $61 million player option. Plus, that also assumes that Gobert declines his $38 million player option, which is unlikely.
Could the Wolves possibly pull off a sign-and-trade centered around Gobert? Sure, but again that's unlikely.
As exciting and talented as a core of LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and Towns would be, this wouldn't be sustainable in the apron era. This is particularly true considering that Jaden McDaniels soon needs a new deal. At some point, the Wolves would have to make a salary-cutting move in the very unlikely scenario that KAT signs with Minnesota.
By all accounts, it's simply not a realistic possibility. Maybe Towns will return to Minnesota at the very end of his career. However, that's a long time from now, and this update is meaningless for the Timberwolves.
A return to the Knicks is still likely
Despite Shams' update, the most likely scenario is that KAT returns to the Knicks. Shortly after Shams' report, Ian Begley reported that "Talks have been positive and New York has made it known that it wants Towns to be a Knick for a long time." Even during Shams' seemingly concerning update, he noted that talks have remained cordial despite them stagnating.
In the modern NBA, it's hard to say that Towns will be a Knick for the rest of his career. Still, the Knicks are the defending champs, and KAT was a vital part of their success. And even if the Knicks take a step back this season, it would be a surprise if he turned down a $61 million option to enter free agency, where he'd get less money and likely play on a worse team.
Maybe they can't find a middle ground, but I would expect Towns to remain in New York until at least 2028. Overall, as fun as a Towns-Wolves reunion sounds, fans shouldn't get their hopes up.
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