Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Friday that Mitchell Robinson, an unrestricted free agent and the Knicks' longest-tenured player, is unlikely to return because re-signing him would risk pushing New York past the NBA's second apron.
- The second apron is the league's highest luxury-tax threshold and it carries rules that limit trades and certain free-agent moves, which owner James Dolan has said he will not allow the club to cross.
- League reporters say the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers are among the leading suitors, with the Lakers reportedly prepared to offer roughly the full non‑taxpayer mid‑level exception near $15 million per season.
- The Knicks took draft-week steps to limit guaranteed payroll and quietly checked on veteran centers before the draft, moves that signal front-office preparation for Robinson's likely departure.
- Robinson brings elite offensive rebounding and rim protection but has an injury history and very poor free-throw shooting; losing him would cost the Knicks bench defense and interior rebounding while strengthening rival frontcourts.