Karl-Anthony Towns is a big reason why the New York Knicks lead the San Antonio Spurs 2-0 in the NBA Finals. Towns has produced on both ends of the court, with his defense against Victor Wembanyama having been particularly good. Even so, that performance might not be enough to land Towns a massive extension this offseason.

Towns has two seasons left on his deal after this one, with $57 million for 2026-27 followed by a $61 million player option for 2027-28. The veteran center could decline that option and sign a four-year extension that projects to a maximum of more than $272 million.

The Knicks are already dealing with apron issues already, plus Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet being unrestricted free agents this summer. Signing Towns to a max extension would extend those apron concerns out for several years.

Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges both took discounts on their extensions, in hopes of keeping the team together long-term. New York could look to Towns to do something similar, especially if the Knicks have designs on keeping Robinson and/or Shamet in the fold too.