On the Jimmy Fallon Show , Karl-Anthony Towns made it clear that he hates ‘The Big Purr,’ moniker. During the media interaction, he also made it clear that he hates incorrect questions. Especially when those are around the surrounding injury. Maybe KAT is trying to keep that rehab thing on a low. Or the treatment for the knee never really happened. However, the reporter who asked the question in the first place clarifies his sources on social media.

The entire team took center stage answering reporters on Tuesday. For 7 minutes straight, the Big Bodega had a smile on his face and was optimistic about the team’s chances this season. Then came the question from Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, who asked him about “a knee procedure” reported by ESPN. KAT refuted immediately. On social media, the veteran reported sharing his source of the ESPN article with the caption, “ESPN reported KAT had procedures! I wasn’t wrong.”

With this, it became clear that Bondy was looking to cause trouble. In fact, he was asking a mere follow-up question about the recovery of Karl-Anthony Towns, who had a splendid season with the Knicks. In his debut season in New York, he was one of only two players this season (Nikola Jokic) to average 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, while shooting 40% on 3-pointers. Naturally, it earned him All-Star and All-NBA third-team. It was Ramona Shelburne’s report from June 4 that mentioned the surgery.

“Towns suffered the finger injury in Game 3 of the second round against the Boston Celtics and the knee injury in the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers… Towns had the injuries reexamined and chose to immediately have procedures so he would have the most time possible to recover before next season, sources said.” Here, the word procedure is used instead of surgery, and the report simply stated that KAT opted for surgeries on his finger and his knee.

Trying to get that answer, Bondy asked it during the media day. But the Knicks center was quick to deny. “No I did not have a knee — where are you hearing this? You came on media day to come and put that out there?” The New York Post reporter explained himself at the time, “I thought ESPN reported it.” But Towns was not backing down and came with a sarcastic reply. “Who did that, Centel?” Trying to diffuse the situation, Bondy quickly added, “Alright my bad.” After KAT was done answering the question, the video later shows Bondy providing Towns with the ESPN report on his phone. To which Towns smiles and incorrectly says, “That don’t even say procedures!” then walks away.

Again, this report has been out for close to 4 months. If it was inaccurate, Towns, his team, or even the Knicks could have called it out. Since there was no such exchange, Bondy had to ask if the player was healing from those surgeries. But to his surprise, KAT didn’t acknowledge the report.

Is Karl-Anthony Towns’ future in New York up in the air?

The speculation began when news of a conversation being on hold for Towns, who holds the keys to a two-year, $150 million extension with the Knicks, surfaced. It was Stefan Bondy who reported that the deadline is a month away, on October 20. On The Zach Lowe Show, insider Sam Amick also raised his doubts about this deal going through. “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.”

His current deal already stretches through the 2026 season, and waiting at the far end is a massive $61 million player option in 2027. That’s why there is no rush about the reported $150 million over two years max extension. Bondy reports there has been “no sign that negotiations have started.” Neither Karl-Anthony Towns’ agent nor team president Leon Rose has offered clarity. But the good thing is that the captain is supporting the Big Bodega.

“Having him as a teammate has been really fun,” Jalen Brunson said. “The things that he’s been able to do in a short period of time being a Knick has been amazing,” the captain reassured. KAT averaged 24.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in what was his debut season for New York. Injuries or no injuries, even with an unclear future, Anthony Towns has always performed. This season with the Knicks won’t be any different.