Knicks Likely to Lose Mitchell Robinson Over Second‑Apron Limit

Overview

• Multiple outlets reported Thursday that Mitchell Robinson is unlikely to re-sign with the Knicks after free agency began because the club cannot afford the pay required without breaching the second apron.
• The second apron is a salary threshold above the luxury‑tax line that triggers strict roster and transaction limits for teams and therefore constrains how much guaranteed salary the Knicks can add.
• Robinson is valued leaguewide for elite offensive rebounding and rim protection but carries injury history and very poor free‑throw shooting that teams will weigh when making offers.
• New York’s recent draft and roster moves, including trading out of the first round and pushing Jose Alvarado’s option decision, were made to limit guaranteed payouts and keep flexibility below the apron.
• Robinson remains an unrestricted free agent with multiple suitors expected to pursue him and his departure would force the Knicks to find low‑cost center depth, which could complicate their bid to repeat and alter the lives of bench players and fans.