Nothing broke over the last day for New York, so the real story stays the season itself: a raised banner, a full roster, and a payroll pinned against the second apron. Camp business took over instead, from a training-camp deal for Igor Milicic Jr. to a New York Post report on opener ticket prices.
Quiet Stretch
The last 36 hours brought no Knicks news of substance, so the story is still camp. Jalen Brunson (wrist, arm, left) and Mohamed Diawara (finger, arm) are both working back, each with an estimated return of Oct. 1, well ahead of the opener.
Tight Books
New York's payroll sits at $217.9M, above the first apron and past the $200.4M luxury-tax line. The second apron is set at $221.7 million, and the front office has almost no room to reshape this roster once the season starts.
Preseason Slate
The preseason opens Oct. 5 at the 76ers, followed by home dates against the Wizards on Oct. 8 and the Timberwolves on Oct. 12, then a trip to the Raptors on Oct. 13. The regular season opener is set for Oct. 20 against the 76ers on NBC/Peacock.
Extra Bodies
New York agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with 6-foot-10 forward Igor Milicic Jr., a camp-only contract that usually points to a two-way or G League track rather than a roster spot. The New York Post also reported secondary-market prices for the opener are running 500% higher this year, with even the worst seats topping $1K.
Bottom Line
Nothing changes the picture: the group that won it in June is the group coming back to defend it, camp deals and ticket prices aside. The open questions are whether Milicic sticks past September and how far those books can bend once the games start counting.
When do the Knicks open preseason play?
New York's preseason opens Oct. 5 on the road against the 76ers.
When is the Knicks' 2026-27 regular season opener?
The Knicks open the regular season at home against the 76ers on Oct. 20, on NBC/Peacock.
