Contract questions surround Towns, Heat lock in Dru Smith, Warriors adjust development approach
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NEW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns has less than two months to decide on a contract extension with the Knicks, and so far neither the club nor the four-time All-Star appears to be in a hurry.
The 28-year-old center is eligible to add two seasons to his current agreement before an October 20 deadline. A maximum extension would be worth roughly $150 million, bumping his annual salary to about $75 million. Towns’ existing deal runs through 2026-27 and carries a $61 million player option for 2027-28.
Multiple league sources told the New York Post there have been no formal talks. Towns’ representative declined comment, and team president Leon Rose seldom addresses the media. With new collective-bargaining tax thresholds looming, New York may prefer to let Towns play out the contract before revisiting terms.
Among the on-court factors the front office is weighing: the big man’s durability after several injury-shortened seasons in Minnesota, his defensive fit in pick-and-roll coverage, and long-term chemistry with guard Jalen Brunson.
Heat bring back Dru Smith
MIAMI — The Heat announced Saturday they have re-signed restricted free-agent guard Dru Smith to a three-year, $7.9 million deal. League sources confirmed the figure aligns with the veteran minimum; the first season is fully guaranteed, while the final two years include conditional guarantees.
Miami opened a roster spot Friday by sending forward Haywood Highsmith to the Nets, shaving $5.6 million in salary and keeping the club under the cap apron.
Smith, 27, appeared in 14 games last season before a torn Achilles in December ended his campaign. Despite the injury, the Heat retained him on a two-way contract and expect him to be cleared by opening night on October 22 or shortly thereafter. He averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals in 19 minutes, shooting 51% from the field and 53% from three.
Warriors stress development amid limited practice time
SAN FRANCISCO — Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said on the “Glue Guys” podcast that the NBA’s condensed calendar leaves little opportunity for traditional practice, complicating the development of teenagers entering the league. “We don’t practice anymore,” Kerr noted. “I lean on the young coaches” to handle skill work and growth.
Golden State’s front office is undergoing a change as well. Kent Lacob, vice president of basketball development and son of majority owner Joe Lacob, is departing the organization, according to The Athletic. The move, described as a difficult decision, leaves the Warriors searching for a new voice to oversee player progress.
Source: Hoops Wire
