The New York Knicks won't be running back the same roster for the 2026-27 season.
After the Knicks secured their first title since 1973, owner James Dolan made it clear that he's not interested in going into the second apron just to keep his championship core intact. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the defending champios are projected to be $13 million below the second apron.
"I don't know if we'll be able to. We're willing to stretch, but there's certain things in the NBA that you'd have to be suicidal to do. One of them is the second apron," Dolan said on WFAN. "I'll write as big of a check as possible, but I can't write a check into the second apron."
Well, the New York Post's Stefan Bondy is reporting that Mitchell Robinson is unlikely to return to the Knicks. The veteran center has been with the Knicks since 2018, averaging 7.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for his career.
"Heard it’s unlikely Mitchell Robinson will be back with Knicks next season," Bondy said. "He’s longest tenured Knick but also an unrestricted free agent. Owner James Dolan said he’s unwilling to pay into second apron so running it back with bench is not feasible."
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Who else could be on the move?
The Knicks are also in jeopardy of losing Landry Shamet, who played a pivotal role off the bench during the playoffs. He was excellent during the Eastern Conference Finals, averaging 9.8 points per game on 91.7% shooting from the 3-point line.
Jose Alvarado could also have a new home for the 2026-27 season, but a final decision hasn't been made just yet.
While the Knicks will still be led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the supporting cast around them will look much different.
