NEW YORK — New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns says he did not undergo offseason treatment for a bruised left knee or ligament damage in his left finger, contradicting a June report by ESPN, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.
ESPN report detailed alleged medical procedures
In June, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that Towns received medical attention for the two injuries, both allegedly sustained during the Knicks’ 2024 playoff run. Shelburne’s story said the 7-footer hurt his finger in Game 3 of the second-round series against the Boston Celtics and bruised his knee during the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Indiana Pacers. Sources cited in that report claimed Towns scheduled procedures immediately after New York’s elimination to maximize recovery time before the 2024-25 season.
Shelburne has not publicly responded to Towns’ denial.
No contract talks so far this summer
Separately, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst stated in July that the Knicks and Towns have not opened discussions on a contract extension. The three-time All-NBA selection is entering the second year of the four-year, $220 million contract he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves prior to last season’s trade to New York. The agreement includes a player option for 2027-28.
Windhorst noted that Towns still has roughly $170 million remaining on his deal, a figure that could complicate any potential trade.
Strong first season in New York
Towns earned his fifth All-Star berth and averaged 24.4 points, a career-best 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.0 steal across 72 games in 2023-24. On Oct. 29, he scored 44 points with 13 rebounds in a 116-107 win over the Miami Heat, the highest single-game point total by a Knicks center since Patrick Ewing in 1995.
In December, Towns captured his first Eastern Conference Player of the Month award after leading New York to a 12-2 record while posting 23.2 points, 14.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per contest.
The Knicks open training camp next month, and Towns is expected to be fully available.
Source: Basketball Insiders
