The Knicks are carrying a $230.2 million payroll, clear of the $221.7 million second apron and the $200.4 million tax line, to keep last season's champion together. Two of the deals that built that number, Karl-Anthony Towns and Miles McBride, are stuck in extension talks with no resolution yet.
The bill
New York enters the season carrying $230.2 million in salary, clean over the $200.4 million tax line and the $221.7 million second apron. There's no ambiguity in that number: it's a repeat-or-bust roster, built and priced as one.
Where it goes
Karl-Anthony Towns' $57.1 million is the single biggest piece, with OG Anunoby's $42.5 million, Jalen Brunson's $37.7 million and Mikal Bridges' $33.5 million right behind. Josh Hart adds another $20.9 million. Towns can opt in again next year for $61.0 million, so this number isn't shrinking on its own.
Two deals stuck
Shams Charania reported September 23 that Towns' extension talks have stagnated, with nothing since. Three days later, Hoopsrumors reported McBride is "a little disappointed" by his own negotiations. Both are open questions the apron will eventually force a decision on.
Thin draft capital
Brooklyn already owns New York's 2027 and 2029 first-rounders, with swap rights in 2028 and 2029 too. Detroit gets a 2028 second, Atlanta a 2030 second. If the apron squeezes this roster, there isn't much draft capital left to trade out of it.
The bottom line
This is a title team that spent to stay a title team, then filled out camp with Jaden Akins, Tyler Nickel, Kevin McCullar Jr. and N'Faly Dante on cheap deals rather than the open market. The math says something eventually gives, and Towns and McBride are the two names sitting closest to that line.
Are the Knicks over the luxury tax?
Yes. Their $230.2 million payroll is well above the $200.4 million tax line and above the $221.7 million second apron.
Will the Knicks re-sign Karl-Anthony Towns?
Nothing is decided. Shams Charania reported September 23 that extension talks between Towns and the Knicks have stagnated, with no update since.
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