The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers stand out as the top two potential suitors for New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns if he leaves the team via free agency next offseason, an anonymous NBA executive told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
“Only a few possible suitors stand out to me right now in terms of cap space teams and fit. Chicago and the Clippers have the cleanest path,” the executive said. “The Nets can get there with the money, but that’s not a good fit. Golden State and Dallas could get around [$50 million] in space with more tinkering.”
Towns has a $61 million player option for next season, but according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks ” the player option must be eliminated and replaced with the first year of the extension” if he signs after that date.
The Knicks previously offered Towns a four-year, $200 million contract extension, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. He is eligible for a $276 million extension.
On Friday, Oct. 9, the Knicks announced that they are tabling all contract extension discussions (guards Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are also eligible).
“As an organization, our entire focus is preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of,” a statement read. “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.”
Towns issued remarks after the team’s Oct. 11 practice.
“It was news to me,” Towns told reporters. “Very disappointed to say the least. Let’s state the obvious: It’s business, but there is business on the court for us to handle.”
For now, that business starts on Tuesday, when the Knicks begin their NBA title defense against the Philadelphia 76ers at home.
