New York Knicks star big man Karl-Anthony Towns and head coach Mike Brown are now on positive terms after “early friction” in the coach’s first season with the team.
“Early on, there was some friction,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on Wednesday’s episode of The Hoop Collective podcast at the 45:15 mark. “… He is asked to do a little bit more gruntwork, he’s still having an excellent season. … He and Mike Brown are in a good place right now, from what I’m told.”
Karl-Anthony Towns is asked about his potential in the Knicks’ new offense under Mike Brown:
“Honestly, I don’t know – but we’re figuring it out” pic.twitter.com/yFnR1j0bjB
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) October 20, 2025
Towns told reporters in October he was still “figuring it out” and unsure what his role would be in Brown’s offense.
“We’re figuring it out. That’s it, but, honestly, I don’t know. Yeah, it’s gonna take time, new system, all of us trying to be the best we can in the new system,” Towns said then about adjusting to Brown’s style. “Just doing our best to make the system work for us. And that’s really all we’re focused on every day.”
The Knicks are currently 23-9 and rank second in the Eastern Conference standings.
Karl-Anthony Towns Has Underperformed
Last season, Towns received his fifth All-Star selection and third All-NBA Third-Team nod of his NBA career. The 7-footer averaged 24.4 points, a career-high 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 35 minutes in 72 games.
Towns also recorded 44 points and 13 rebounds in a 116-107 win over the Miami Heat on Oct. 29, 2024. His 44 points were the most in a game by a Knicks center since Patrick Ewing in 1995.
In addition, Towns became the first Knicks player in franchise history to post at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 65% shooting in a game since Carmelo Anthony in 2014.
Plus, Towns helped lead New York to its first conference finals appearance since 2000.
Through 30 appearances this season, Towns is averaging 22 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 32.8 minutes per game while shooting a career-low 47.6% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc.
Knicks, Towns Not Rushing Contract Extension
Windhorst reported before the season on The Hoop Collective podcast that Towns and the Knicks are in no rush to get a new contract extension worked out.
Towns was eligible to add two years and $150 million onto his current deal over the offseason. However, the five-time All-Star will once again be eligible for an extension next summer.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post noted that Towns enjoys playing in the Big Apple.
“Hell yeah, hell yeah. I want to stay here,” Towns told Bondy. “Obviously get a chance to be home, see my family. It means more than the money, you know. So just to be able to be here with the fans, be with the family. It means a lot. I would like it to continue.
“Me, [team president Leon Rose] and [senior VP of basketball operations Gersson Rosas] and everyone, we’re great,” Towns said. “I’ll go have lunch with them right now. We’re good.”
Per Spotrac, Towns has two years and about $110 million remaining on the four-year, $220.4 million contract he signed as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
