Former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas suggested that New York Knicks owner James Dolan could retaliate against Karl-Anthony Towns if the center decides to exercise his $63 million player option rather than negotiate a new contract.
Arenas explained that if he were in Dolan’s position, he would reduce Towns’ playing time if the star center ignored the team’s preference to negotiate a different agreement.
According to Arenas, exercising the option against the owner’s wishes could create tension between Towns and the organization, particularly because of the financial commitment involved.
“If KAT opts into his $63M and I’m pissed off about it, like don’t do it and he do it. He benched. If I tell you do not exercise that shit and we going to negotiate and you exercise that shit, now you’re fucking with my money. So I got to pay it in return. You’re not going to get the same amount of minutes you got.”
The former Washington Wizards star argued that an owner could potentially use playing time to influence a player’s future contract value.
He suggested that reducing Towns’ role would affect his production and make it more difficult for him to secure another lucrative agreement when he eventually enters free agency.
Arenas also described Dolan as an owner who could take such a decision personally, although he was discussing a hypothetical situation rather than an actual plan by the Knicks.
“I’m playing you different. Your value that you’re going into the market with ain’t going to be shit. He’s a petty owner. And we know he is. You know why it’s a discussion. Because we all know when we sign our contract, stress gone. Pure basketball.”
Arenas went on to explain how contract uncertainty can affect a player’s approach to the game, particularly when that player is preparing to negotiate another major deal.
He believes players who have already secured long-term contracts can focus entirely on basketball, while those facing an uncertain financial future may become more concerned about their individual performances and avoiding injuries.
According to Arenas, Towns could find himself in that situation if he does not reach a new agreement with New York.
“Right now, as the second option going into that uncertainty, that means you you’re thinking about performance also. Performance, not getting hurt. You’re playing for a contract. It’s very different. This year, if he don’t get it and he opts in, next year is going to be worse.”
