It’s simple logic.

The longer it takes for Immanuel Quickley to sign an extension, the less likely it’s going to happen.

That doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

It just means there’s less time before Monday evening’s deadline.

As of Sunday night, with less than 24 hours to go, there was no agreement and texts to his agent went unanswered.

Without question, it’s the biggest contract decision left for the Knicks to decide before next summer.

Here’s a breakdown of the risks and rewards for both sides and scenarios.

If they agree to extension …

Knicks’ risk: We’re assuming the deal is for at least four years (maybe five) and averages more than $20 million annually.

That’s a considerable contract for a backup who, in truth, put together a great few months and disappointed in the playoffs.

With Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes and Donte DiVincenzo already expecting big minutes, signing another guard to big money creates a rotation crunch beyond this season.

The Knicks need a wing or a forward more than a guard.

If Quickley’s getting, for instance, $20 million next season, the Knicks will have roughly $145 million dedicated to six players — Quickley, Brunson, DiVincenzo, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson.

That’s already around the salary cap.

Plus, Brunson and Randle could hit free agency in 2025, sending the payroll to much higher levels.

Knicks’ reward: They lock up a player who was one of the top reasons behind last season’s surge to the fifth seed, who was probably deserving of Sixth Man of the Year (this reporter voted for him over winner Malcolm Brogdon) and improved demonstrably from the previous season.

It wasn’t just Quickley’s shooting percentage that took a big leap.

It was also his defense, requiring the athleticism and commitment to guarding the perimeter that scouting reports didn’t envision out of college.

Quickley is only 24, and the Knicks would pay for prime years with this contract.

Quickley’s risk: Signing a contract now could leave money on the table for Quickley, who has the talent to be an NBA starter but will likely never get that chance here with Brunson on the roster.

Here are seven teams projected to have the cap space to make a big offer next summer: Spurs, Magic, Jazz, Hornets, Sixers, Pistons and Wizards.

San Antonio, Orlando, Philadelphia and Washington would be upgrading with Quickley as their starting point guard.

Quickley’s reward: This is easy: guaranteed generational wealth.

Quickley was the 25th overall pick in 2020 and wasn’t projected to get this type of money off his rookie deal.

Assuming he plays well, Quickley will have a chance to sign another big contract while still in his prime.

If no extension reached …

Knicks’ risk: The team loses the gamble, and Quickley receives a massive offer in free agency, which might be too rich to match for a backup.

As stated, the Knicks are already paying out plenty of money for their rotation.

It also becomes more difficult to make a trade involving Quickley in the offseason, which is most likely the time the Knicks will be able to pull off a blockbuster.

There’s also the risk of creating discord with an important player.

Thus far, the team has been aggressive with their extensions — signing Randle, Barrett and Hart to multiyear deals.

So, why not Quickley?

By not extending Quickley at his number, the Knicks are gambling that another team doesn’t view him as that valuable.

Knicks’ reward: Since Quickley will be a restricted free agent, the Knicks have the right to match any offer, and sometimes patience is prudent.

They’re saving themselves if Quickley gets injured or regresses.

Also, if they keep Quickley on an expiring contract, he’s much easier to trade during the season.

Quickley’s risk: The big risk here is a devastating injury.

There’s Quickley tanking his value with a terrible season.

Players have cost themselves millions (ahem, Nerlens Noel) by declining the extension.

We know Quickley is supremely confident in himself, so he wouldn’t view a gamble on himself as a losing bet.

Quickley’s reward: A big payday in free agency.

Let’s say the Knicks exceed expectations, reach the conference final, and Quickley is even better than last season.

By waiting until free agency, Quickley allows the market to dictate his value and opens the opportunity for a bidding war.

It could prove very lucrative, much more so than an extension signed by Monday.