Knicks pause contract negotiations with Karl-Athony Towns, Josh Hart, others until 'later in the season'

The New York Knicks will begin the 2026-27 season with a number of players facing uncertainty regarding their long-term contract situations.

Karl-Anthony Towns , Josh Hart , Deuce McBride and Tyler Kolek are all extension eligible right now. Towns is the most-pressing situation as he can opt out to become a free agent next summer, but none of them will have a new contract before the start of the season. The team released a statement on Friday confirming that, as an organization, the Knicks will end extension talks until "later in the season," citing a desire to focus on preparations for their…