Overview
- Robinson agreed on Thursday to a multi‑year deal reported at more than $15 million per year with the Boston Celtics and is projected to be their starting center after recent roster moves.
- Knicks owner James Dolan publicly insisted the team would not cross the NBA’s second luxury‑tax apron, a payroll threshold that brings steep taxes and roster limits and that limited New York’s ability to match Boston’s offer.
- New York re‑signed Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet to roughly $11 million‑per‑year deals, which used cap space that would otherwise have helped retain Robinson without breaking the apron rule.
- Robinson posted a farewell on Instagram and replied to teammates that he "didn't want this to happen" and hopes the "truth" about his exit comes out, signaling unresolved tension about the split.
- The move highlights a wider offseason dynamic where playoff performance boosts role players’ market value and forces teams to choose between roster continuity and strict payroll limits.