The NBA Finals have become a polarizing experience for Minnesota Timberwolves fans. On one hand, it’s been thrilling to see Karl-Anthony Towns become one of the key reasons the New York Knicks have taken a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs. On the other hand, it’s a narrative that the Timberwolves “gave up on Towns” to give the Knicks a piece of a championship puzzle.
But according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, New York could run into a similar situation that the Wolves ran into as they pressed against the second salary apron back in 2024.
“If the Knicks do, in fact, tie the bow on this NBA Finals package, there will still be a discussion to be had with Towns about securing his services for the long-term,” Amick wrote. “...The reality of today’s NBA means there are second-apron concerns for the Knicks to take into consideration, and a desire to be prudent enough with the payroll so as not to compromise roster depth. But the tone of those talks, given everything Towns has done here, should be far more flattering toward him this time around. He deserves immense credit for that much.”
Knicks will have to make similar Karl-Anthony Towns decision had to make amid NBA Finals performance
Towns’s contract was one of the key reasons the Wolves decided to trade him a few years ago. Per Spotrac, he signed a four-year, $220.4 million contract with the Timberwolves that began during the 2024-25 season. But with other extensions beginning for Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, the Wolves were pushing up against the second apron and decided to move on.
Timberwolves fans can almost recite the punishments associated with the second apron, which include trade, free agent and buyout restrictions along with draft penalties that make it challenging to build a complete roster. Minnesota also looked to maximize Towns’ trade value and enhance their depth by acquiring Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and a first-round pick from the Detroit Pistons that became Joan Beringer.
The end result of the trade, which has the Wolves watching Towns dominate the Finals from their couch, has made it a controversial topic. But the Knicks could be having the same conversations as Towns is set to carry a $57 million cap hit for the 2026-27 season and carries a $61.1 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Currently, the Knicks are entering next season $3.5 million below the first apron, which carries lesser penalties, but just $16.5 million below the second apron. Still, they only have nine players under contract for next season and have some key free agents, including Mitchell Robinson, making Towns’ contract a legitimate discussion point.
Of course, Towns could make that conversation even more difficult than it was in Minnesota. The Knicks are a championship-caliber team and Towns’ defensive performance against Victor Wembanyama has been a key development during the Finals. If he continues to play well, the Knicks would be willing to make Towns part of their long-term plans and potentially work out an extension as soon as this summer, when he can sign a deal worth $272 million over four years.
For what it’s worth, Amick adds the two sides are expected to discuss an extension with Towns this summer. But it’s a similar debate the Wolves had before trading Towns away, trying to keep a franchise cornerstone or spreading it out to create a deeper team.
It’s also one that could end with a different outcome if Towns brings home the Knicks’ first championship since 1973.
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