Towns, Timberwolves reportedly discussing contract extension

All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns can become a restricted free agent next summer, but the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly are trying to sign him long before that happens.

The Athletic reported Wednesday that Towns and the Timberwolves are talking about the possibility of him signing a maximum rookie-level deal.

The Timberwolves selected Towns with the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, and he hasn't disappointed. He hasn't missed a game in three seasons and has career averages of 21.6 points and 11.7 rebounds in 34.9 minutes per game. A 7-footer, he shoots 83.6 percent from the foul line.

Towns, 22, is scheduled to earn $7.8 million next season but is eligible to sign a maximum extension to his rookie contract before his fourth season begins. Andrew Wiggins, his Minnesota teammate, signed a five-year, $146.5 million extension with the Timberwolves last fall. He could have become a free agent this summer.

"We're just optimistic it will be done as soon as possible," Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters in June.

--Field Level Media