As teams continue to break up over the threat of steep payrolls, steeper taxes, and roster-building restrictions, the New York Knicks have avoided the fate of being ripped apart. And with owner James Dolan so far intent to cheap out of paying into the second apron, it shifts the burden of financial concession onto Karl-Anthony Towns. Another Jalen Brunson pay cut may be off the tableBrunson will be eligible next summer to sign a four-year extension worth up to four years and $286.5 million. He could also wait until 2028 free agency, at which time he could land a five-year max from the Knicks worth a projected $370.8 million. The burden of keeping the Knicks together could fall on TownsTiming plays a part in obsessing over Towns’ next price point.