# Knicks Pause Contract Talks

> Knicks delay extensions for Towns, Hart, McBride until later in season.
- Title: Knicks Pause Contract Talks · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Knicks delay extensions for Towns, Hart, McBride until later in season. Knicks pause contract extensions for Towns, Hart and McBride until later in season to…
- Keywords: knicks, karl-anthony-town, josh-hart, miles-mcbribe, nba, contract-extension, financial-cliff, player-option, sports, Pause, Contract, Talks
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/knicks-pause-contract-extension-talks-karl-anthony-towns-josh-hart-deuce-mcbride
- Published: 2026-10-09T19:22:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: knicks, karl-anthony-town, josh-hart, miles-mcbribe, nba, contract-extension, financial-cliff, player-option, sports
## Knicks pause contract negotiations
Knicks announced they would table all contract extension talks until later in the season for four players including Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek.
## Towns deal critical for flexibility
Towns has a $61.6 million player option for the 2027-28 season, but New York's financial cliff comes in the 2028-29 campaign, not 2027-28.
## Towns' contract structure impact
Using Towns' player option could front-load his salary, saving flexibility for 2028-29 when Brunson and OG Anunoby start new deals.
## Hart's future uncertain
Hart, the oldest starter at 32, faces age-related decline and is the Knicks' heartbeat but has a team option rather than player option.
## McBride likely trade candidate
McBride is the likeliest trade candidate due to Knicks' lack of center depth and his expiring contract.
## Financial constraints
Knicks' top four players will likely pay 110-115% of the cap, but they have less financial wiggle room after Robinson left.
## Towns' player option strategy
Towns could pick up his player option to try extension talks again or his value might dip, allowing Knicks to re-sign him on better terms.
## Hart's role in team
Hart is essential to New York's championship upside but his inconsistent shooting and physicality make him the oldest starter.
## McBride's contract status
McBride has a team-friendly contract after trading Immanuel Quickley and is likely to be a trade candidate if Hart remains.
## Financial implications
Knicks' financial cliff comes in 2028-29, so Towns' player option could save flexibility for that year.
## Next steps
Knicks may trade McBride to fill center depth if they keep James Wiseman and have no other options.
## Key takeaway

Knicks pause contract extensions for Towns, Hart and McBride until later in season to manage financial constraints.