There is a sense of uncertainty surrounding the New York Knicks’ rebuild. After last season’s Eastern Conference Finals heartbreak, the franchise has added key pieces to the roster and appointed Mike Brown as the new head coach to succeed Tom Thibodeau. But the biggest question mark remains the future of Karl-Anthony Towns, who holds the keys to a two-year, $150 million extension with the Knicks. Talks, however, are reportedly frozen.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports that the deadline is October 20, adding an early layer of suspense. His current deal already stretches through the 2026 season, and waiting at the far end is a massive $61 million player option in 2027. Now, on The Zach Lowe Show, insider Sam Amick broke down the Knicks-KAT story in real time. He said, “I think there’s a three-year possibility…”

It doesn’t end there. The insider said, “… but the two-year is about $150 million. You’re talking about $75 million a year. The timeline, I don’t see the urgency because he’s got the player option in ’27. You did the Mikal Bridges deal, you did the Jalen Brunson deal, you’ve still got KAT for a minute here.” Amick then added, “I think they’ve got to figure out the absolute ceiling on what they have after that season, which was so exciting for Knicks fans, and then on the back end was disappointing at the end.”

Meanwhile, Sam Amick also raised the real dilemma: should the Knicks tie themselves to Karl-Anthony Towns? He praised the talent but stressed the risk of banking on a big man with injury history. “I think the question is, do you really want to commit to KAT in his mid-30s? That’s no disrespect to him, but he’s a big who’s had some injury stuff. To me, that’s why I don’t see something getting done here,” the insider pointed out.

Despite the buzz, he doubts any extension talks will actually advance right now. While a max extension could hit $150 million over two years, Bondy reports there has been “no sign that negotiations have started.” Neither Karl-Anthony Towns’ agent nor team president Leon Rose has offered clarity, and Rose rarely speaks publicly. At this point, the practical path points to Towns playing out his current contract, with the possibility of exercising his massive $61 million player option for 2027–28 before rethinking his future.

The Knicks face a fascinating gamble. Even with four All-Star selections to his name, $75 million per year feels like a test of how far they are willing to stretch under the second salary cap apron. Yet the temptation remains strong. In their Eastern Conference Finals run last season, Towns delivered 24.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 36.7% from deep.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks‘ moves could seemingly open potential doors for the Los Angeles Lakers. You see, KAT isn’t their only star with an uncertain future with the team. Names like Deuce McBride and Mitchell Robinson are also making headlines. Reports and rumors suggest that Rob Pelinka is looking at Robinson to bolster the current Lakers roster. And if this is true, then the Knicks’ present stance would be helpful.

Amidst the Karl-Anthony Towns dilemma, the Knicks are seemingly giving the Lakers space to explore

A few months ago, ex-NBA champ Jeff Teague urged the Lakers front office to trade Dalton Knecht for the New York Knicks’ big man, Mitchell Robinson. Now, while Towns and the Knicks have time until October 20 to come to a decision, Zach Lowe believes that the other guys, namely Robinson and McBride, have something more interesting going on. “Mitchell Robinson, who’s in the final year of his contract for $12.9 million, and Deuce McBride is already eligible for another extension,” Lowe stated.

“I think Mitch is probably a no because I think the Knicks want to see how healthy he is and how he plays. I think they might like the idea of an expiring contract motivating him. If he gave them a great number, I think they would do it. I just don’t see that,” Zach Lowe gave his verdict. “Deuce, who makes $4.3 million this year and four the next year, I think we’ll just want. Again, they have time on their side, and he would want a big number. I think it’s a no on both.”

Mitchell Robinson enters the final year of his $12.9 million contract with more questions than answers. His dominant rebounding and rim protection once set the tone, yet two ankle surgeries and months on the shelf cast doubt on his durability. The Knicks prefer patience, watching how he moves and competes before making any call. An expiring deal may fuel his motivation, but security will demand proof.

Meanwhile, the Lakers enter the scene, searching for another defensive anchor to fuel their new Luka Doncic era. With Mitchell Robinson on an expiring contract, opportunity aligns with necessity. Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 240 pounds with a 7’4 wingspan, Robinson embodies power and agility. His shot blocking, rim protection, and offensive rebounding provide precisely the balance that could elevate this revamped frontcourt.

The fit stretches beyond numbers. Adding Robinson would lighten Deandre Ayton’s defensive burden and free him to sharpen his offensive focus, while Doncic would gain a reliable lob target reminiscent of his Dallas days. Even Jaxson Hayes benefits by staying a flexible rotational piece. The Lakers want urgency with Doncic at 26, and Robinson’s imposing frame and athletic dominance make him the realistic upgrade who could turn potential into sustained playoff power.

The Knicks stand at a crossroad, juggling star power, fragile ankles, and the weight of their own ambition. Karl-Anthony Towns holds the spotlight, yet uncertainty clouds his future. Mitchell Robinson lingers as both question mark and opportunity, while Deuce McBride waits his turn. Meanwhile, the Lakers hover with hungry eyes, sensing that New York’s hesitation could fuel their own rise.