Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on June 26 that Robinson, an unrestricted free agent, is now widely viewed as unlikely to return to the Knicks because Dolan has said the franchise will not enter the league’s second apron.
- Knicks front-office moves during draft week — trading out of the first round and adding low‑cost second‑round signings — were made to limit guaranteed salary and keep the team below the apron.
- Cap analysts estimate New York can realistically offer roughly $8–9 million without breaching the apron while other teams could bid in the roughly $13–15 million range using mid‑level exceptions.
- The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers are reported as leading suitors and are expected to court Robinson once free agency opens, with the final outcome to depend on medical checks and how aggressively those teams bid.
- Robinson’s playoff role raises his market value because of elite offensive rebounding and rim protection, but his history of missed games and very poor free‑throw shooting will shape how teams balance price against risk.