The potential James Dolan reason Karl-Anthony Towns could leave New York Knicks
Brian Windhorst explains why one James Dolan edict could lead to Karl-Anthony Towns’ New York Knicks departure. The New York Knicks are enjoying success they haven’t seen in half a century in 2026.
New York Knicks are experiencing an unprecedented success, their first in half a century. Key contributors to this achievement have been Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns, however, has only two years left on his contract, with a $61 million player option for the next season. Talks of extending his contract have been ongoing but have hit a snag.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst, during a discussion, mentioned that the situation could potentially lead to Karl-Anthony Towns leaving the Knicks. The reason, according to Windhorst, is related to an edict issued by team owner James Dolan about not going into the second apron, a tax-heavy system designed to maintain parity among teams. Windhorst believes that if Towns accepts the $61 million option, the Knicks would be thrust into the second apron, which they are keen to avoid.
The only way Towns could leave would be if he doesn't pick up the option, reducing his salary to prevent the Knicks from entering the second apron. However, if Dolan insists on enforcing the second apron, Towns could have multiple offers from other teams, potentially securing a max contract. Despite the Knicks' remarkable success, the possibility of Towns leaving remains.
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