​ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts after a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 25: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks listens to a conversation between Jalen Brunson #11 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) GettyThe stalled contract talks between Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks appear to come down to a straightforward disagreement: The Knicks want their All-Star center to accept less than his maximum, and Towns has not agreed to their price.New York Post’s Stefan Bondy provided that context Tuesday after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that negotiations had stagnated and an extension before training camp was considered unlikely.“As myself and others reported, Knicks are asking KAT to take a discount from his max,” Bondy wrote on X.Bondy pointed to the Knicks’ proximity to the NBA’s second apron and Jalen Brunson’s eligibility for another lucrative extension as the financial forces shaping the negotiations.“It’s a matter of how much of a discount KAT would be willing to take,” Bondy added. “Given Shams’ report, it’s clear he’s unwilling to take what Knicks are offering.”As myself and others reported, Knicks are asking KAT to take a discount from his max. They’re close to second apron and Brunson is eligible for big extension next year. It’s a matter of how much of a discount KAT would be willing to take. Given Shams report, it’s clear he’s… https://t.co/Xh2UwNUdmu— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) September 23, 2026Knicks Want Karl-Anthony Towns to Follow Brunson’s ExampleTowns is eligible for a four-year maximum extension worth more than $270 million. He will earn approximately $57.1 million this season and holds a player option worth about $61 million for 2027-28.The Knicks are not questioning his importance. Towns helped deliver the franchise’s first championship in 53 years and strengthened his case for another enormous contract during the postseason.The dispute is about structure and sacrifice.Brunson famously accepted a four-year, $156.5 million extension in 2024 rather than wait for a significantly larger deal. His decision gave the Knicks greater flexibility to build