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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 30: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks have a 1-0 lead on the Philadelphia 76ers. It was a game that wasn’t close thanks to a brilliant effort from Jalen Brunson. Brunson scored 35 points and crushed Philly in almost every way possible.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been a polarizing figure for New York in the playoffs. There have been games where he has had big offensive numbers. In others, he has struggled. Defensively, KAT got caught in foul trouble early in Game 1 against the 76ers.

Towns is a frequent target of fans’ ire when things aren’t going well. If they get eliminated at some point in the playoffs, the Knicks could reportedly be facing a big KAT decision.

Knicks Could Face Huge Karl-Anthony Towns Decision in the Offseason

According to a source from Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN, rival executives think the Knicks could have an important decision to make on Towns’ future.

“They’re probably in a spot with KAT that they should either extend him or look to trade him,” an East executive said. “If this playoff run convinces everyone this is a good fit, maybe they can get him to take a little discount off his max like Brunson did and help them keep the core together.”

The Knicks sometimes get frustrated with the number of offensive fouls that Towns ends up accumulating over the course of a game. Still, Towns has the potential to be a dynamite offensive force when his outside shot is falling consistently.

Towns has one year left on his deal after this season is finished. He will be paid $57 million next year, but also has a player option worth $61 million in 2027-28. It’s likely that Towns will opt into that amount whether the Knicks extend him or not.

Big Changes Could Happen in New York if They Don’t Win it All

If New York doesn’t win the championship this season, there could be some big changes coming. James Dolan mentioned that the expectation is for the Knicks to win it all this year. If they don’t, Dolan could demand changes all across the roster, including the coaching staff.

That could include Towns, who is an easy target. Mike Brown could be at risk, as well. The best way for the Knicks to avoid any big changes is to win a title this season. Of course, they have to win the East in order to make it that far first. Offensively, they have been doing what they need to.

In the playoffs, the Knicks have the second-best offense. Defensively, New York could use some help, even though they have the second-best defense in the playoffs. That final game against the Hawks in the first round is the driving force behind both of those numbers being so good. That’s where the criticism comes in for Towns.