The New York Knicks face a complex and costly offseason as they attempt to retain their championship-winning roster and prepare for a title defense next season. With eight players currently under contract—including all five starters—the team’s core remains largely intact. However, managing salary cap constraints presents a significant challenge for president Leon Rose and his front office.
The Knicks have contracts secured for Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek, and Pacôme Dadiet. In addition, Jose Alvarado holds a $4.5 million player option, and the team possesses the No. 24 pick in the upcoming draft. If Alvarado opts in and the draft pick is signed, the Knicks would be committed to approximately $209 million in salary—roughly $13 million below the projected salary cap threshold known as the second apron. This leaves limited flexibility to retain other free agents without incurring salary cap penalties.
Among the impending free agents, Mitchell Robinson is one of the most pivotal and uncertain decisions. Robinson, the longest-tenured Knick drafted in 2018, delivered a strong regular season with 60 appearances and valuable contributions as a backup center. However, recurring ankle issues limited his playing time, and opponents exploited his free-throw struggles during the playoffs, reducing his role significantly in the Finals. A hand injury added to questions about his reliability. The Knicks must weigh whether to offer Robinson a significant contract or risk leaving a key position behind Towns unfilled. Other center options include restricted free agent Ariel Hukporti and unrestricted free agent Jeremy Sochan, as well as potential additions from the draft.
Landry Shamet, another unrestricted free agent, proved a valuable asset on a veteran-minimum deal, shooting 39.2% from three-point range in the regular season and an impressive 47.5% in the playoffs. His timely shooting and defensive efforts made him a favorite of head coach Mike Brown, and he figures to attract higher offers on the open market. The Knicks retain only Shamet’s Early Bird Rights, limiting their maximum offer compared to other suitors.
Jose Alvarado, with his player option and memorable Finals performance as a secondary ball-handler, could also test free agency. While he has strong ties to the team and local area, he is expected to command a multi-year contract worth around $10 million annually if he opts out. The Knicks might attempt a compromise by having him exercise his option and then negotiate a longer extension.
Jordan Clarkson, who contributed as a veteran bench player on a minimum contract, is less certain to return. Although valuable for experience, his limited playing time in the Finals and age make him a lower priority.
Restricted free agent Mohamed Diawara showed promise during the regular season with an athletic presence and improved offensive skills. Despite limited playoff minutes, the Knicks appear interested in continuing his development, though retaining him will require a financial commitment.
Karl-Anthony Towns, under contract for two more years, is eligible for a significant extension this summer. Following a strong playoff showing, Towns could sign a deal worth over $200 million, an extension that would considerably impact the team’s salary cap management moving forward.
If the Knicks choose to keep key bench contributors like Robinson and Shamet, or extend Towns, they are likely to exceed the second apron threshold. Doing so triggers several restrictions on their ability to sign players and conduct trades, while prolonged presence above this limit could result in limitations on future first-round draft selections.
Owner James Dolan has indicated a willingness to invest heavily to maintain a championship-caliber roster. This offseason will be a critical test of that commitment as the Knicks balance retaining talent with salary cap realities in pursuit of defending their first NBA title in over five decades.