New York Knicks owner James Dolan stated on a radio show that the team will not exceed the NBA's second apron threshold despite winning the championship. The comments complicate plans to retain key reserves ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Dolan spoke Wednesday on WFAN's The Carton Show. He said the Knicks cannot go into the second apron, calling it something "you'd have to be suicidal to do." He added that he would write as large a check as possible but could not cross that line, leaving decisions to team president Leon Rose.
The Knicks won the NBA championship on Saturday. Their current payroll stands at $208,776,828 for 10 players, leaving roughly $13 million below the projected second apron of $221,737,000 for next season. Retaining players such as Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet would likely push the team over the limit.
The second apron restricts trades, free-agent signings and other roster moves. Dolan noted that keeping the roster intact would be ideal but expressed uncertainty about staying under the threshold.
