"People say a lot, but I know this: Dolan loves Towns," a league executive said. The Knicks did have a chance to extend Towns before the start of 2025-26 but opted to wait. Towns, according to sources, wanted a new deal but didn't expect one to come this season. With two years remaining on his contract -- $57.7 million in 2026-27 with a $61 million player option for 2027-28, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks -- Towns would be the franchise's biggest trade chip, salary-wise, if the Knicks chose to chase a superstar such as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.ESPNThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "People say a lot, but I know this: Dolan loves …