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Knicks’ updated cap situation following Mikal Bridges extension

2025-08-01T21:37:13-04:00

Photo by Brian Choi/NBAE via Getty Images

Is the second apron still inevitable?

Deep in the lull of the NBA offseason, the Knicks decided to make headlines around the same time of the MLB trade deadline’s yearly chaos on Thursday, officially inking Mikal Bridges to a four-year, $150 million extension, a move once seen as inevitable when he was acquired last June that became heavily debated after it took management nearly four weeks past Bridges’ initial extension eligibility to pull the trigger.

Apparently, there were rumors that the Knicks were awaiting to learn the fate of Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo before making any rash decisions about Bridges. With Antetokounmpo increasingly likely to at least give Milwaukee one more chance, Leon Rose got it done. Notably, Bridges took $6 million less than the maximum extension he could’ve received. A small gesture that criminally underpaid bench guard Deuce McBride joked about following the news:

Manns really a team first guy, appreciate it Kal! https://t.co/L6L3gSs2cn
— M11es McBride (@deucemcb11) July 31, 2025

The deal includes a player option in the fourth year and a 15% trade kicker. It begins in 2026-27 and Bridges cannot be traded for six months after the deal is made official. That’s notable, as the 2025-26 trade deadline will likely fall around February 6. If you remember, Josh Hart specifically timed his extension following the 2022-23 season for August 8, ensuring he could not be dealt at that year’s deadline. Barring the team stalling for a week, Bridges would still be able to be traded at the deadline.

On the New York Knicks locking in Mikal Bridges for $150M and what it means moving forward for NBA Today: pic.twitter.com/sPwY8uL31n
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 1, 2025

Bridges, like Brunson, could’ve elected to wait a year and make more the following season. While there was no chance he could challenge a surefire max contract like Brunson would’ve. Bridges could’ve demanded close to $200 million and looked at OG Anunoby’s extension as a baseline. Instead, he did what was rumored to be happening last summer and took less, even if the $6 million he left on the table right now is insignificant.

The question we’re all asking after this: what does this mean for the second apron?

Bridges’ Year 1 salary will clock in at just under $33.5 million (assuming the deal is naturally backloaded), making him the fourth-highest paid player on the team. It removes a major question mark for the 2026-27 season, but also moves the team closer to an uncomfortable position. The second apron is estimated to be just $222.4 million that year, over $6 million less than previously projected due to an unexpected decrease in the salary cap increase from the 10% maximum to just 7%.

Next 3 years: New York Knicks

Most important line is the 2nd apron

The Jalen Brunson extension last year and now Mikal Bridges, has given New York flexibility to operate under both aprons. pic.twitter.com/4IfbFoPo13
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 31, 2025

So, as of today, the Knicks would have eight guaranteed players under contract and $18.6 million under the second apron. Guerschon Yabusele has a $5.8 million player option and the team will have Jordan Clarkson and Mitchell Robinson hit unrestricted free agency, while they’ll probably have to sort something out for Ariel Hukporti.

Unfortunately, it would take a monumental effort (and one that would make the roster leaps and bounds worse) to stay below the second apron in 2026-27. For it to work, they’d have to likely let Robinson, Yabusele, and Clarkson walk for a bunch of veteran minimums, something that will make the team a decent amount worse. Considering the organization probably wants more than one crack at this, expect them to still operate in the second apron in 2026-27.

But, what about 2027-28? In that season, they open up flexibility, but also big questions. Karl-Anthony Towns will have a $61 million player option, while the team will have a $22.4 million club option on Josh Hart. They’ll also have to deal with no longer having McBride on his ridiculously cheap extension. The way this is positioned, the 2027 offseason will likely be an inflection point and their biggest opportunity to pivot, barring a blockbuster trade becoming available next offseason.

All in all, the minor paycut will only make James Dolan pay a bit less in the luxury tax once the team becomes a repeat offender. The extension itself was a necessary move that keeps you somewhat flexible instead of staring down the barrel of a franchise-altering 2026 offseason.

Now, about Big Mitch...

Knicks sign Mikal Bridges to four-year $150 million extention

2025-07-31T21:35:18-04:00

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Around a year ago, Knicks fans spent a good portion of the offseason trying to decide how they felt about their all-in move to trade for former Villanova standout Mikal Bridges. On one hand, fans were excited about the prospect of pairing OG Anunoby with another wing that was just a couple of years removed from being one of the best two-way three-and-D players in the league. On the other hand, though, fans were surprised, dare I even say scared, about the potential blowback of trading five first-round picks for someone of Bridges’ caliber.

What ensued was one of the most confusing, frustrating, and inconsistent seasons from a player we’ve seen in a long time. There were nights when Bridges looked like the perimeter defender, and the third option the Knicks needed to get them over the hump. But there were also many a night when Bridges looked out of whack, uncomfortable, or just downright bad.

The narratives surrounding Bridges quickly soured. Instead of talking about the 17.6PPG he was averaging, his near-automatic efficiency from mid-range, or the new Villanova trio he formed with college teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, fans around the league focused on the negatives. They made note of his inconsistent defense, reluctance to get to the free throw line, the change to his shooting form that led to subpar results, and last but not least, the package of picks that the Knicks gave up to get him.

Now, Bridges was able to rewrite some of those narratives in the playoffs when he started the Knicks’ second-round series against the Celtics with a pair of game-winning defensive plays. But much like the regular season, his postseason performance was a mixed bag- one filled with mediocre performances that left fans searching for the silver lining.

So when the season ended, there was plenty to talk about with Bridges’ future with the Knicks. Would they dare trade one of Brunson’s best friends? Or would New York extend him? And if they did, would he take a pay cut knowing that the Knicks held little to no leverage?

BREAKING: New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the franchise, agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. The new deal includes a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker. pic.twitter.com/xuiYvzykqJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 31, 2025

Well, those questions, after weeks of speculation that he may be involved in a trade for a certain Greek superstar in Milwaukee, were finally answered. On Thursday night, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Bridges had agreed to a four-year $150 million contract extension, which includes a player option for the 2029-30 season, and a trade kicker. That brings Bridges’ average annual value to around $37.5 million per year, making him the fourth-highest paid player on the team starting in the 2026-27 season.

Keep in mind, Bridges could have waited for next summer and been eligible for as much as 5 years, $300 million.
— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) July 31, 2025

While that is quite a lot of money for a player that left a lot to be desired for the overwhelming majority of the season, it is also important to note that Bridges was eligible to sign a four-year $156 million contract, and had he waited until next summer, he would’ve been eligible to sign for up to $300 million over five years.

Next 3 years: New York Knicks

Most important line is the 2nd apron

The Jalen Brunson extension last year and now Mikal Bridges, has given New York flexibility to operate under both aprons. pic.twitter.com/4IfbFoPo13
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 31, 2025

The six million dollars he gave up doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it, along with Brunson’s extension last summer, helps the Knicks operate under both aprons moving forward, giving them more flexibility to continue building out what will hopefully be a championship roster.

There it is. Knicks have Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Pacome Dadiet, and Tyler Kolek under contract through the 2027-28 season.

Karl-Anthony Towns has a $61 million player option that year. https://t.co/aTkE6SlTJS
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) July 31, 2025

With the move now looking official, the Knicks have Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, Pacome Dadiet, and Tyler Kolek all signed through the 2027-28 season with Karl-Anthony Towns holding a $61 million player option that year as well.

What is Mitchell Robinson’s future with the Knicks?

2025-07-31T08:02:35-04:00

Will the tenured big man get extended, traded, or hit the open market next offseason?

We are deep into the dog days of the NBA offseason. While the Knicks still have two open roster spots and room to add a veteran, they may choose to do so closer to training camp. That doesn’t begin for almost two months. The schedule doesn’t even come out until mid-August. What is there to talk about?

While the questions surrounding a potential Mikal Bridges extension are probably the No. 1 issue in Knickerbocker-land, the future of Mitchell Robinson might be just as important.

Robinson, of course, represents a lot more than the Knicks’ backup center.

With his play alone, he’s more than you’re average bench player. He’s been one of the best players on the court in almost every playoff series he has played in, and he’s been a reliable defensive anchor and maniac on the boards. He’s the type of player that other teams gameplan for, something very rare for someone with very little scoring acumen.

MITCHELL ROBINSON = BEAST ON THE BOARDS

He has 5 offensive rebounds already on TNT! pic.twitter.com/jFLZnhdtyf
— NBA (@NBA) June 1, 2025

But beyond his play, he represents something more. Mitchell Robinson is, by far, the longest tenured New York Knick.

While only 27 years old, Robinson has been in the orange and blue since he was drafted in June 2018. If he begins 2025-26 on the Knicks roster, it’ll be his eighth season with the Knicks. He’s the longest tenured Knick since Allan Houston spent nine years in New York from 1996-2005. While at first, his tenure was just a nifty fact, he’s slowly becoming one of the longest tenured players in all of basketball with their current team.

The only other players who have been with their current team since the start of the 2018-19 season?

Trae Young (ATL), Jayson Tatum (BOS), Jaylen Brown (BOS), Bam Adebayo (MIA), Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL), Joel Embiid (PHI), Dwight Powell (DAL), Jamal Murray (DEN), Nikola Jokic (DEN), Stephen Curry (GSW), Draymond Green (GSW), LeBron James (LAL), Devin Booker (PHX)

Of that list, only one player (Powell) isn’t a face of the franchise or close to it. Powell and Robinson are the only role players entering their eighth consecutive season with a team. For the Knicks, if Robinson were to depart, their longest tenured player would now be Deuce McBride, who was drafted in 2021 and is entering his fifth NBA season. This is a really new roster.

Despite his importance to the Knicks every time they find themselves in the postseason, Robinson’s future with the only club he’s known is uncertain. In the 2022 offseason, the big man inked a four-year, $60 million contract, re-signing with the Knicks while they grabbed Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Brunson in free agency. He’s entering that deal's fourth and final year in 2025-26.

Now, nothing is stopping the Knicks from re-signing Robinson this offseason. He’s eligible to extend for up to four years and $89 million, something that shouldn’t be a problem despite some of the prices of centers that Robinson could argue he’s more impactful than (see: Jakob Poeltl).

The issue is that the NBA’s current CBA does not allow you to keep all of your talent for long periods of time. Barring something unforeseen, the Knicks will likely be forced into being a second apron team for 2026-27, whether via re-signing Bridges or trading him for someone under contract. While there are ways they can figure out how to duck underneath the apron again that year, none of those ways would allow Robinson to remain on the roster. Further, the deeper they go into the apron, the more luxury tax penalties they’ll accrue, which will begin to really sting the pockets of Mr. Dolan as the Knicks enter the repeater tax that season.

So, for Robinson, what’s the path ahead? The Knicks would be losing him for nothing if they don’t trade or re-sign him, but they would still not have financial flexibility if Robinson were traded now or midseason for someone of a similar salary. If they traded him for draft picks, what does that do besides give you a slightly better shot at the next blockbuster trade?

A bigger question might be Robinson’s market value, both in the trade market and the open market. The elephant in the room is that the Louisiana native just cannot stay healthy for a myriad of reasons. Lower body injuries have derailed multiple seasons of his career, and despite how important he is every postseason, he’s barely contributing in the regular season. Is a guy who struggles to play half the regular season worth eight figures a year?

I’d think his skillset is worth that, and maybe in another life, his next deal is loaded with injury incentives. However, the CBA making unlikely incentives count against teams’ apron status has effectively killed them in future contracts. What a potential Robinson extension might look like could be similar to the Zion Williamson extension in terms of injury protections. The Knicks could only guarantee the front end of the contract and have an out in case of one too many injuries, causing a severe decline in Robinson’s play.

Whatever way Leon Rose and company are leaning, they have a massive decision to make regarding the longest tenured Knick’s future in New York. He’ll likely be on the roster come Opening Night; the question is how much longer?

Knicks fans - here's an incredible Mitchell Robinson moment you probably forgot about!

pic.twitter.com/R9SfwRcfbV
— EverythingKnicks (@EverythinKnicks) July 15, 2025

Knicks' OG Anunoby signs multi-year deal with Skechers

2025-07-30T11:30:00-04:00

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

It's time for some jogging!

Fans have learned quickly that OG Anunoby is a man like no other.

On the court, OG possesses a unique ability to guard all five positions at an elite level, while being a reliable shooter, even if it comes with some cold stretches. There are maybe five guys in the league who can do what he does on both sides of the ball. Off the court, OG is just as unique, balancing what seems to be a quiet and calm introvertedness with a distinct style of humor, and one of the more relaxed and low-maintenance fashion senses in the league. His tendency to walk paths that are often unpaved or, at the very least, not often walked on continued last week when he joined the up-and-coming, but still very unorthodox, Skechers basketball roster.

OG Anunoby has signed an endorsement deal with Skechers ✍️

“Skechers has helped me continue to play basketball at an elite level and I love these shoes.” pic.twitter.com/8ubBJY3GpH
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) July 24, 2025

The footwear brand announced Anunoby’s multi-year footwear and apparel deal last week, saying, “Confirming the fan speculation surrounding his headline-grabbing slam dunk in SKX REIGN™ shoes during the 2025 NBA playoffs in May, Skechers officially announces that New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has joined Team Skechers. In addition to competing in Skechers Basketball footwear, the NBA Champion and defensive powerhouse will appear in the brand’s global marketing campaigns.”

“Skechers has helped me continue to play basketball at an elite level, and I love these shoes,” Anunoby said. “I play quick and low to the court. I jump and move a lot. Skechers has the shoe to keep me comfortable, keep me protected, and keep me playing my best every day.”

Anunoby, who has worn Nike his entire career up until this point, joins Knicks nemesis Joel Embiid, as well as Terance Mann, Josh Green, and former Knicks forward Julius Randle as part of Skechers’ NBA roster.

Updates on Pablo Prigioni and the Knicks continued efforts to fill out Mike Brown’s staff

2025-07-30T09:51:21-04:00

Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

The assistant coach search is proving to be just as slow, and filled with no’s as the head coach search was

Last week, Knicks fans were elated to hear that New York was granted permission to speak with former Knick Pablo Prigioni to join Mike Brown’s staff. Prigioni, who became the oldest rookie in league history when he joined the Knicks in 2012, was a fan favorite largely due to his selfless play and effort. And his addition to Brown’s staff would’ve been a homerun hire given both his popularity and proven ability to put together an organized offense focused on spacing, shooting, and ball movement-something that the Knicks, and Brown, look to capitalize on. Prigioni has declined the opportunity, though, citing family reasons.

Amid interest from Knicks, MIN assistant Pablo Prigioni decided to stay with T Wolves, citing family reasons, league sources tell SNY. One coach squarely on NYK radar for an assistant job under Mike Brown? Clippers assistant coach Brendan O’Connor, league sources tell SNY.…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 26, 2025

So, where will the Knicks’ search take them next? New York will now reportedly turn their focus to another former Knick. Clippers assistant coach Brendan O’Connor, who has worked under both Ty Lue and Doc Rivers in Los Angeles, and also coached in New York under Larry Brown in the 05-06 season, seems to be the Knicks’ next target. O’Connor is a defensive expert and would bring some much-needed wisdom on that side of the ball.

Regardless of what happens with O’Connor, though, it has been rumored that the Knicks will continue to look for more help on the offensive side. How many more assistant coaches, and who they’ll be, remains in question. Still, it’s becoming apparent that between the hiring of Brown and the assistants they’ve targeted, New York believes Tom Thibodeau didn’t optimize the offense, and wants to make that more of a priority heading into next season.

Knicks enter 2025-26 as East contender, with caveats

2025-07-29T07:43:49-04:00

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

NBA.com describes them as contenders with asterisks.

In John Schuhmann’s Eastern Conference offseason power rankings, the New York Knicks sit at #2, trailing only the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s a vote of confidence in the team’s consistency, depth, and the vision of Leon Rose & Co. Nonetheless, key questions remain about fit, flow, and whether this group can finally reach the NBA Finals and championship glory.

The Knicks return a starting lineup that logged a league-high 940 minutes together. That continuity matters. But Schuhmann notes a worrying postseason regression: that same unit was outscored by 6.2 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs, raising flags about scalability. Adding 11-year-vet Jordan Clarkson may help with secondary creation, but the Knicks still lag in movement, where they’ve ranked in the bottom seven for five straight years.

That could change under new head coach Mike Brown, whose Kings squads led the league in ball movement and offensive efficiency in 2022–23. Schuhmann notes that the Knicks’ offense showed flashes of a more dynamic identity during Jalen Brunson’s 15-game, injury-related absence late last season. The challenge will be blending that style with Brunson, who’s led the NBA in time of possession two years running.

On the defensive end, New York still needs help. The team ranked 13th in Defensive Rating last season and will lean on Brown to coax more out of Karl-Anthony Towns. While an offensive savant, his pick-and-roll coverage has been notoriously Charmin soft. The supporting starters Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby bring defensive grit, but the Knicks need buy-in across the board—especially if Precious Achiuwa, still unsigned, doesn’t return.

Schuhmann ranks the Cavs #1 in the East, highlighting their elite offense, which was tops in the NBA last season at 121 points per 100 possessions, and their strong overall depth. He praises their shooting (nine players hit league-average or better from three) and major improvements in player and ball movement. However, he cites their defense as a concern, especially after Indiana whupped them in the second round of the playoffs. With Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. added, Cleveland remains a conference favorite and one of the Knicks’ biggest challengers this upcoming season.

Stability counts, though. Unlike other East hopefuls, the Knicks avoided major departures. With Boston reeling from injuries, Milwaukee shifting post-Dame, and Philly a weird wild card, the door appears to be open for our heroes. If Brown can unlock better ball movement without disrupting Brunson’s rhythm (and get Towns to hold his own on defense), this team has a real shot to be the last one standing.

Read the full piece, and all of Schuhmann’s rankings, here.

Go Knicks.

Knicks' Mohamed Diawara makes key decision on NBA future

2025-07-26T10:00:00-04:00

Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images

The Knicks drafted French prospect Mohamed Diawara with the No. 51 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

Mohamed Diawara is staying in New York City.

The 20-year-old French forward, drafted by the New York Knicks with the 51st overall pick in June after completing a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, has decided to begin his NBA career rather than returning to France, effectively avoiding becoming the latest draft-and-stash player.

His former team in France, Cholet Basket, made the announcement on Friday on X.

Arrivé en provenance de Paris à l’été 2024 et récemment médaillé d’or à l’Euro U20 avec l’Équipe de France, Mohamed Diawara avait un objectif clair : rejoindre la NBA.

C’est désormais chose faite : Mo a été sélectionné en 51ème position de la Draft NBA 2025 par les New York… pic.twitter.com/5oujazASBG
— Cholet Basket (@CB_officiel) July 25, 2025

“Arrived from Paris in the summer of 2024 and recently a gold medalist at the U20 Euro with the French National Team, Mohamed Diawara had a clear goal: to join the NBA.

“It’s now a done deal: Mo was selected as the 51st pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks and has decided to continue his journey in the United States!

“Throughout the season, Mo brought his energy and defensive impact to the team, both in Betclic Elite and the FIBA Europe Cup.

“Cholet Basket would like to warmly thank him for his dedication, motivation, and professionalism.

“Good luck in this new chapter @mo_dwra.

“We wish you the very best moving forward!” — Cholet Basket

Cholet’s announcement basically means that Diawara won’t be stashed overseas — a common route for second-round international picks — and instead will compete for a spot in New York. His performance in the Summer League must have convinced the Knicks brass, who should have seen enough to offer the Frenchman a two-way contract for next year.

Diawara averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds last season with Cholet in the French LNB Elite, as well as 7.0 points, 3.7 boards, and 1.6 dimes per game during the 2024 U20 Eurobasket tournament with the French national team.

Diawara spent the past month with the Summer Knicks in Sin City, where he showed flashes of his athleticism and defensive versatility, as well as making it clear he’s still a raw talent pending molding his game.

In four games in Las Vegas, Diawara averaged 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 22.3 minutes per game.

Most players drafted in Diawara’s range end up on two-way contracts, and that remains the most likely option for the young stud, particularly since the Knicks currently have no two-way players under contract.

Knicks keep making coaching moves ahead of 2025-26 NBA season

2025-07-26T07:00:00-04:00

Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images

New York already hired Mike Brown as the new head coach of the Knicks.

The New York Knicks keep undergoing significant coaching staff changes under newly hired head coach Mike Brown.

Following the firing of Tom Thibodeau after the Knicks’ loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the organization has cleared out much of the previous staff, as per Brown’s calls.

Former Knicks assistant coaches Othella Harrington, Daniel Brady, Dice Yoshimoto, and Andy Greer have all been let go, along with assistant video coordinator and Thibs’ nephew Nick Thibodeau.

The New York Knicks won’t retain assistant coaches Othella Harrington, Daniel Brady, Dice Yoshimoto, and assistant video coordinator Nick Thibodeau, nephew of Tom Thibodeau, league sources told @hoopshype. According to @SbondyNBA, Andy Greer is also not returning next season.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 25, 2025

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that Brown is also bringing in two of his former Sacramento Kings assistants to join him in New York: Charles Allen and Riccardo Fois.

“The New York Knicks won’t retain assistant coaches Othella Harrington, Daniel Brady, Dice Yoshimoto, and assistant video coordinator Nick Thibodeau, nephew of Tom Thibodeau, league sources told @hoopshype. According to @SbondyNBA, Andy Greer is also not returning next season.” — Michael Scotto

Allen joined the Kings in 2022 as a video coordinator. Fois was previously with the Phoenix Suns as a player development coach before spending the 2024–25 season in Sacramento.

Brown is also retaining two members of the Thibodeau era in Maurice Cheeks—who joined the Knicks in 2024—and Rick Brunson—father of Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson. The elder Brunson, however, will stay in New York in a reduced role instead of having assistant coach duties, as he did during Thibs' stint at the helm of the Knicks.

Brown and the Knicks will enter the 2025–26 season with higher expectations than they have carried into a new campaign for the past quarter-century.

The former Kings coach, however, comes with vast experience in high-stakes situations, whether that's as the head or assistant coach of a few of his former teams. Brown led the LBJ Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007 and later won four championships as an assistant with the dynastic Golden State Warriors.

Most recently, during his tenure in Sacramento, Brown ended the franchise’s 16-year playoff drought in 2023, winning 48 games after racking up 46 wins a year later, months before he got canned in the middle of the 2024-25 season with the Knigs boasting a putrid 3-11 record around the flipping of the calendar page to 2025 in late December.