New York Knicks fans expressed anger at owner James Dolan after NBA insider Fred Katz reported on Friday that he’s preventing the Leon Rose-led front office from going over the second apron. The ramifications could be massive for the Knicks in their bid to defend their NBA title.
New York could lose multiple key bench players who were critical to its title success during the 2025-26 NBA season. Here’s what Katz wrote:
“The Knicks’ front office knows this. And yet, it also understands that dipping below the second apron would lead to much of its depth flocking elsewhere, which is why, despite Dolan’s desires, it wants to go over the second apron, according to league sources, who were granted anonymity to speak freely. But so far, Dolan has not changed his mind.”
If true, it’s a surprising decision from Dolan, as New York could have a shot at becoming the first team in eight years to win consecutive titles. That would be huge for the Knicks, given how much they have struggled over five decades to get to the summit.
Considering this, Knicks fans called out Dolan, who has a $2 billion net worth according to Celebrity Net Worth, for limiting the team’s resources to retain the core or get even better this offseason. One X user pointed out that former Knicks star Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson being on the Brooklyn Nets would be a “PR disaster” for New York.
Randle is already on Brooklyn’s roster after the Minnesota Timberwolves traded the former star in a salary dump. Meanwhile, reports suggest the Nets are considering prying Robinson away from the Knicks.
One fan also suggested that the Knicks might see president Leon Rose leave the franchise, similar to former president Donnie Walsh, who left in 2011 after Dolan reportedly proposed a pay cut and limited his extension to two years.
“Mitch and Julius in Brooklyn is a PR disaster for the Knicks. Nets don’t even have to win anything. If the Knicks don’t repeat, Dolan will be the enemy and Rose will be out the door. BTW, Rose is gone if Dolan doesn’t change course on the 2nd apron. Ask Donnie Walsh,” the fan said.
Here are some more reactions:
Not just Mitchell Robinson, Knicks could also lose Landry Shamet because of James Dolan’s reported decision
The Knicks could suffer a double blow if James Dolan remains adamant about his reported restrictions to limit the team from going over the second apron. Along with Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet could reportedly be on his way out in free agency if Dolan doesn’t allow Leon Rose to spend in free agency.
“If they’re trying to stay below the second apron, those two guys will not be back,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said on Thursday’s NBA Today show.
Robinson averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds, including 4.2 offensive rebounds per game. He shot 72.3% from the field. Robinson played 60 games, the most in the last four years. Despite his injury concerns and lack of offensive output, several contenders will look to pursue him due to his intangibles, especially on defense.
Offensively, he’s as efficient as anyone around the rim, so with a higher volume of shot attempts, Robinson can prove decisive on that end on some nights. He could command between $12 to $16 million annually.
On the other hand, Shamet averaged 9.3 ppg, shooting 39.4% from 3-point range on 5.2 attempts. He was a spark plug off the bench, giving the Knicks’ offense exactly what they needed amid lean stretches. Shamet was even more efficient in the playoffs. He averaged 6.0 ppg on 47.3% shooting from 3-point range.
The Knicks landed him on a $3.1 million minimum contract last season, which Shamet outplayed significantly. He could command an annual salary of $8 million to $12 million.
Read more:
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