The championship curse

The most controversial opinion in basketball today is not that the defending New York Knicks should trade Karl-Anthony Towns. It is that they may eventually have no choice. The Knicks finally delivered a championship to New York behind a core of Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. Under the NBA's old financial system, a title would have marked the beginning of a potential dynasty. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, it may mark the beginning of a countdown. The numbers are already flashing red. The Knicks have approximately $218.4 million committed in payroll for the 2026-27 season, leaving them just $3.3 million below the NBA's second apron. Their five highest-paid players account for nearly $192 million alone: Towns at $57.1 million, Anunoby at $42.5 million, Brunson at $37.7 million, Bridges at $33.5 million and Hart at $20.9 million. The situation becomes even more daunting when considering Towns' future. He has a $61 million player option for 2027-28 and is eligible for a four-year extension worth approximately $272 million. That would push his earnings close to $70 million annually during the life of the deal. This is where fans often…