Knicks Owner James Dolan Just Sent a Strong Message About the Team’s Future

The days following the New York Knicks winning their first NBA title in 53 years, team owner James Dolan has already made it clear where he stands with the organization’s cap situation.

During an interview on WFAN radio in New York, Dolan said he won’t allow the Knicks to push into the second apron under the salary cap.

“We cannot go into the second apron,” Dolan said via ESPN.

New York is currently projected to be around $13 million under the second apron, but the team has notable players such as Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet hitting free agency.

Jose Alvarado could also join them as he has until Monday to decide on his $4.5 million player option for next season. That leaves the Knicks having to make critical decisions that could see a somewhat different roster.

If the Knicks were to hit the second apron, it would not allow them to send cash in a trade or use the $6.1 million tax midlevel on a free agent. If they were to finish a season over that financial mark, they would not be able to trade their first-round pick seven years out.

There are several financial repercussions that have led Dolan to cast doubt about being able to return the same team for the NBA title defense next season.

“I don’t know if we’ll be able to,” Dolan told the WFAN. “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.”

New York has their entire starting lineup under contract through the 2026-27 season.