NBA title won't secure one star's future with Knicks?

The New York Knicks are just two wins away from securing their first NBA championship in more than five decades.

After the first two games, star big man Karl-Anthony Towns should be the leading Finals MVP candidate, even ahead of Jalen Brunson.

He's done an outstanding job against Victor Wembanyama on both ends of the floor, shutting down the "soft" narrative and stepping up when it matters the most.

Nevertheless, that doesn't guarantee he'll be with the Knicks for much longer. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the organization still needs to figure out how to proceed with his contract. 

Karl-Anthony Towns' future with the Knicks is still uncertain

"If the Knicks do, in fact, tie the bow on this NBA Finals package, there will still be a discussion to be had with Towns about securing his services for the long-term," Amick wrote.

Next season will be the last guaranteed year of his contract, and he has a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

He's eligible for a four-year, $272 million contract extension, and while he's certainly earned it, the Knicks still have to figure out what's best for them in the long run.

"The reality of today’s NBA means there are second-apron concerns for the Knicks to take into consideration, and a desire to be prudent enough with the payroll so as not to compromise roster depth," Amick added.

Basketball is an ever-changing business. The same fans and analysts who were urging the Knicks to trade Towns last year are now giving him his flowers as a potential Finals MVP.

Pro sports is the most ruthless business there is, and what you did in the past doesn't always matter as much as what you can do in the present.

Of course, that doesn't mean the Knicks will turn their back on Towns after such an impressive NBA Finals run, but there are no guarantees when it comes to this league, especially with the second apron.