James Dolan: Won't go into second apron to keep Knicks intact
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- New York Knicks owner James Dolan stated he will not exceed the NBA's punitive second apron salary threshold for the 2026-27 season, despite the team winning its first NBA title in 53 years.
- The Knicks are currently projected to be $13 million below the second apron this summer, with key rotation players Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet becoming free agents, and Jose Alvarado potentially opting out of his player option.
- Exceeding the second apron limits a team's ability to engage in free agency, use certain trade mechanisms, and restricts draft pick trading, which Dolan described as financially unwise.
- Dolan emphasized that while he is willing to invest heavily in the team, he will leave personnel decisions to Knicks president Leon Rose and avoid financial penalties associated with surpassing the second apron.
- The Knicks' starting lineup is under contract for next season, and negotiations with All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns, who contributed significantly to their playoff success, may resume this summer.
