Overview
- Reports late Thursday say Mitchell Robinson is unlikely to re-sign with the Knicks because owner James Dolan will not allow the team to go past the NBA’s second apron.
- The second apron is a payroll threshold that triggers strict roster limits and penalties so the Knicks made draft-week trades and timing moves specifically to avoid adding guaranteed salary.
- Those moves leave New York roughly $17 million under the second apron, which analysts say is not enough room to keep Robinson and other rotation veterans without asking him for a pay cut or entering the apron.
- Teams expected to pursue Robinson in free agency include the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings, which gives the 28-year-old several potential suitors after his strong playoff showing.
- Knicks staff were reportedly surprised by Dolan’s public stance, a development that could force the front office to replace Robinson’s rebounding and rim protection through low-cost signings, trades, or draft exceptions.