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Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract uncertainty has prompted Cedric Maxwell to deliver a simple reminder to the New York Knicks: remember who helped bring home the title.
The two-time NBA champion supports an extension for Towns and expects him to stay in New York past the trade deadline. Speaking to US Homepage, Maxwell pointed directly to Towns’ role in the championship.
“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.”
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That stance follows reports of stalled extension negotiations and Towns’ disappointment. The reported offer approached $200 million, compared with a potential maximum of $276 million.
Maxwell also dismissed the idea that New York needs to call Towns’ bluff. His reason was straightforward: the Knicks already have him signed.
“Would I want to sign him to an extension? Yeah, I would,” he said.
The Knicks could keep their core together for the next 3-5 years IF Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart are willing to take a pay cut, per @WindhorstESPN
KAT is eligible for a 4-year, $272M extension.
"If Karl Towns is willing to take a little bit of a haircut, you know, $7-10… pic.twitter.com/ugpU6Bx1L6
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) June 19, 2026
Maxwell backs Towns while acknowledging Knicks’ financial limits
Keeping a championship contributor and managing payroll present different challenges. Maxwell supports retaining Towns, but he also recognizes that New York must consider the NBA’s apron restrictions when weighing another major commitment.
“I don’t think pockets are bottomless. You have to be fiscally responsible to your team and your organisation,” Maxwell said.
Asked whether Towns would remain a Knick beyond the deadline, Maxwell answered, “I think he will.”
He still identified Jalen Brunson as the team’s central figure. That distinction did not change his support for Towns or resolve the question of finding someone else to fill his role.
“Who could you get that’s going to replace Karl-Anthony Towns?” Maxwell asked.
For Maxwell, any discussion about moving Towns starts with answering that question.
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