Knicks urged to extend Karl-Anthony Towns before it’s too late

The uncertainty surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns’ future with the New York Knicks prompted a direct warning from Cedric Maxwell, who reminded the franchise of the pivotal role the center played in winning the championship.

The two-time NBA champion backed a possible extension for Towns and said he hopes to see him in New York beyond the trade deadline. For Maxwell, the Knicks cannot forget the importance of the player on the path to the title.

“I don’t think you can look at Karl-Anthony Towns and let him get away from the Knicks,” Maxwell said. “He’s a great scorer for them. You wouldn’t have won it without him.”

The comments come after reports emerged about stalled negotiations between the two sides. According to the reports, the extension offer was around $200 million, a figure lower than the maximum contract Towns could pursue, which is close to $276 million.

Maxwell also rejected the idea that New York should challenge the player or wait for him to back down on his demands. His argument is simple: the Knicks already have a fundamental piece under contract.

“Would I want to sign him to an extension? Yeah, I would,” he said.

Cedric Maxwell understands the Knicks’ financial dilemma

Although he believes Towns should stay in New York, Maxwell also acknowledged that the franchise faces a significant challenge with the NBA’s financial restrictions.

Keeping a key piece of the championship team while managing the payroll is not an easy task for the Knicks.

“I don’t think pockets are bottomless. You have to be fiscally responsible to your team and your organisation,” Maxwell said.

When asked whether Towns will still be a Knick after the trade deadline, Maxwell was definitive:

“I think so.”

However, he also made it clear that Jalen Brunson remains the team’s primary leader. That situation does not change his stance on Towns or answer the big question: who could replace his impact?

“Who could you get to go replace Karl-Anthony Towns?” Maxwell asked.

For the former NBA player, any conversation about a possible Towns move must start by answering that question.