The New York Knicks have quietly had a great offseason, right after winning their first championship in 53 years, and it’s not done yet. You’d think after losing a key player like Mitchell Robinson in free agency, especially to the division rival, Boston Celtics, there would be a big drop-off, but that’s not the case. They managed to sign and re-sign players on team friendly-deals that will make a huge difference in their attempt to go back-to-back, while also saving money. 

Knicks Offseason So Far

The Knicks owner James Dolan made it clear that he doesn’t want to go into the second apron. “We’re willing to stretch, but there’s certain things in the NBA that you’d have to be suicidal to do. One of them is the second apron.” Even with Dolan capping the roster’s expenses, the front office has done a phenomenal job. 

Knicks
Jun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks players and coaches and staff celebrate their NBA championship with New York dignitaries and fans following a ceremony at New York City Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Additions and re-signings this offseason 

  • Andre Drummond: Signed a 1-year, $3.9 million deal to help offset the departure of backup center Mitchell Robinson.
  • Jose Alvarado: Agreed to a 3-year, $13 million extension after declining his player option, securing his spot as a vital rotation guard.
  • Landry Shamet: Returned to the team on a 4-year, $24 million contract to provide backcourt depth.
  • Jordan Clarkson: Signed a 1-year, $3.9 million deal to return to New York and provide bench scoring

These might not seem like game-changing moves, but for players of that quality, and most of them already being in the system, it’s a great fit. The value and production the Knicks get from these signings are great, especially when trying to stay under the second apron. Heavy-spending teams above the second apron cannot use any mid-level exceptions, aggregate multiple player contracts into a single trade, send cash in trades, or trade their first-round draft picks seven years out.

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End Of Knicks Rant

Under-the-radar moves like this don’t always get noticed right away, but could become a major impact later on. They could look to find another big man in the market, and Jonas Valanciunas could be an option, as he was waived by the Denver Nuggets. New York has been great so far, in an offseason where they lost Robinson on a 3-year, $47 million deal with Boston, and there’s still time to make more changes.

These moves will increase the chances of them winning it again next year, as they basically are bringing back the same group that won it all last season. The Knicks will look to be the first repeat champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2018, and an offseason like that is a great start.