Knicks' 2026 Offseason: Title Defense on a
The reigning NBA champion New York Knicks have navigated the 2026 offseason under owner James Dolan's mandate to avoid the second tax apron, leading to the
The New York Knicks, fresh off their first NBA championship in 53 years, have operated this offseason under owner James Dolan's directive to stay below the league's second tax apron of $221.7 million. This financial constraint has shaped their summer, leading to several departures and budget-friendly signings as they prepare to defend their title in the 2026 season.
The team's salary currently sits at $218.4 million, placing them $9.4 million over the first apron and $3.3 million below the second. They are $18 million over the luxury tax line.
Free Agency & Departures
The Knicks retained several rotation players but saw significant exits. Veteran guard Landry Shamet re-signed for four years and $24 million, while Jose Alvarado returned on a three-year, $14.4 million deal. Mohamed Diawara also stayed on a four-year, $11.3 million contract. Jordan Clarkson and Andre Drummond were added on one-year minimum salary deals.
However, the cost-cutting approach had consequences. Mitchell Robinson, the team's longest-tenured player, signed a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Boston Celtics after eight seasons in New York. Other departures included Jeremy Sochan (Trail Blazers), Ariel Hukporti (Sixers), and Trey Jemison (Raptors). Dillon Jones and Kevin McCullar Jr. Remain unsigned free agents.
Draft Night Trades
The Knicks' offseason strategy was evident during the NBA Draft. They traded down multiple times from the 24th overall pick, executing a series of deals primarily focused on acquiring future assets and cash.
| Acquired | Traded Away | From/To |
|---|---|---|
| Rights to Tyler Nickel (Pick 47), four future second-round picks (2029, 2030, 2032, 2033), $5MM cash | Rights to Cameron Carr (Pick 24) | Suns, Mavs, Lakers (4-team trade) |
| Rights to Jack Kayil (Pick 39), rights to Ugonna Onyenso (Pick 53), rights to Mojave King, 2029 second-round pick | Rights to Bruce Thornton (Pick 31), rights to Nick Martinelli (Pick 55) | Rockets |
| $2.5MM cash | Rights to Ugonna Onyenso (Pick 53) | Pistons |
Second-round pick Jack Kayil, who showed promise in Summer League, will play overseas with ALBA Berlin for the upcoming season. Tyler Nickel remains unsigned and is a candidate for a two-way contract.
Roster & Cap Outlook
The reigning champions have 13 players on guaranteed contracts and are the only team with all three two-way spots available. They possess a taxpayer mid-level exception worth $6.1 million. With limited flexibility, the front office has been linked to several young centers on team-friendly contracts, including Yves Missi, Karlo Matkovic, and Moussa Diabate.
They also had an offer sheet for restricted free agent Moussa Cisse matched by the Dallas Mavericks.
Extension discussions are ongoing. Karl-Anthony Towns, who can become a free agent in 2027, is the main candidate, though a max deal is reportedly unlikely. Miles McBride and Josh Hart are also extension-eligible.
In terms of trade candidates, McBride, Pacome Dadiet, and Tyler Kolek are named as players to watch, potentially moved to address the team's frontcourt needs or gain financial flexibility. The team's squad depth, particularly at center, will be a key storyline as the season approaches.
Source: Hoops Rumors