Overview
- Reports this week say the Knicks have told the league they will stay below the NBA's second apron, a payroll threshold that would trigger strict roster and transaction limits if crossed.
- New York has opened cursory talks with Robinson's camp but only added roughly $3.2 million in cap flexibility through draft‑night trades, leaving limited room to compete.
- League insiders identify the Los Angeles Lakers as the most credible suitor and estimate an offer in the roughly $13–15 million range would be hard for the Knicks to match under their plan.
- Robinson's Finals role and reputation as an elite offensive rebounder have raised his market value, though his multi‑season injury history and poor playoff free‑throw shooting temper some teams' interest.
- If Robinson signs elsewhere, the Knicks will protect core contracts and keep draft assets to rebuild bench depth, while the decision will reshape both roster construction and minute distribution next season.