APRONS
On June 13, 2026, James Dolan shed his “most hated owner” label amongst New York sports fans. Four days after overseeing the end of the Knicks 53-year title drought, he reminded us that he really doesn’t care what we think of him.
An owner with public relations savvy or a desire to be loved would not sully the day before his team’s parade through the Canyon of Heroes, by declaring that “we cannot go into the second apron.” To be honest, the declaration did not temper the enthusiasm of the parade goers, and it hasn’t dampened the spirits of the rejuvenated fanbase.
But it did become a major talking point throughout the summer and training camp, and will cast a subtle cloud over the Knicks title defense which begins tonight when the banner rises at Madison Square Garden (7p, NBC).
Way back, in an era that predated aprons, free agency, and salary caps, the Knicks were able to retain all five starters (Dick Barnett, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, and Willis Reed) from the 1969-70 World Championship team until they repeated in 1972-73 (with the help Phil Jackson and newcomers Jerry Lucas and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe).
In today’s NBA, it’s much harder to keep teams together. When I wrote “4 Things Knicks: Deuce Man Walking” back in August, I predicted that the Knicks would continue to let the Mitchell Robinsons walk, but they would eventually go over the second apron to keep their starters together.
Whether I’m correct, or Dolan sticks to his guns, the second apron will be a major sub-plot throughout the 2026-27 NBA season.
CONTRACTUAL STATUS
The Knicks have four pending UFAs, three players with team options, and one elephant in the room. The elephant in the room is Karl-Anthony Towns, who almost assuredly will turn down his $61,015,192 player option if he is not extended by the June 29, 2027, deadline.
Expires 2027
Jordan Clarkson (UFA)
Pacome Dadiet (Team option)
Andre Drummond (UFA)
Josh Hart (Team option)
Tyler Kolek (Team option)
Deuce McBride (UFA)
Karl-Anthony Towns (Player option)
James Wiseman (UFA)
Expires 2028
OG Anunoby (Player option)
Jalen Brunson (Player option)
Expires 2029
Jose Alvarado (UFA)
Mikal Bridges (Player option)
Mohamed Diawara (Team option)
Landry Shamet (Player option)
Two-Way Contracts
Jaden Akins
Kevin McCullar
Tyler Nickel
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS
The NBA’s restrictive salary rules are considered a key reason why the last eight NBA Champions failed to repeat. That will NOT be an issue for the 2026-27 Knicks as they lost only Ariel Hukporti, Mitchell Robinson, and Jeremy Sochan off of their championship roster.
The Knicks replaced the three big men with 14-year veteran Andre Drummond, rookie Tyler Nickel, and former second-overall pick James Wiseman.
Here’s a look at the last 10 NBA Champions and how they fared the following season:
2017 — Golden State Warriors (won NBA Title)
2018 — Golden State Warriors (lost in NBA Finals)
2019 — Toronto Raptors (lost in Eastern Conference Semifinals)
2020 — Los Angeles Lakers (lost in First Round)
2021 — Milwaukee Bucks (lost in Conference Semifinals)
2022 — Golden State Warriors (lost in Conference Semifinals)
2023 — Denver Nuggets (lost in Conference Semifinals)
2024 — Boston Celtics (lost in Conference Semifinals)
2025 — Oklahoma City Thunder (lost in Conference Finals)
2026 — New York Knicks (TBD)
DEPTH CHART
PG — Jalen Brunson / Jose Alvarado / Tyler Kolek / Jaden Akins
SG — Josh Hart / Deuce McBride / Landry Shamet / Kevin McCullar Jr
SF — Mikal Bridges / Jordan Clarkson / Pacome Dadiet
PF — OG Anunoby / Mohamed Diawara / Tyler Nickel
C — Karl-Anthony Towns / Andre Drummond / James Wiseman
(BONUS) SEASON PREDICTION
Last spring, the Knicks won 84.2% of their playoff games during their magical postseason run. At that rate, they would go 69-13 in the regular season. That would tie them with the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers and the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third best ever in NBA history.
The Knicks have a tremendous starting five with a legitimate MVP candidate in Brunson, a perennial All-Star in Towns, a potential first-time All-Star in Anunoby, and two potential All-Defensive players in Bridges and Hart. But they don’t have a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, or Jerry West.
The ceiling for the 2026-27 Knicks would be to match the franchise all-time mark of 60 wins accomplished in 1969-70 and 1992-93. I’m thinking that with contract issues, inevitable injuries, and experimenting with roles for their bench, a more realistic target is 54 wins.
Season Record: 54-28
Eastern Conference Seeding: 3rd