New York kept the group that won it all and pushed the payroll to $230.2 million above the second apron to run it back. Extension talks with Towns have stalled since September 23, and the franchise owes its 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to Brooklyn if this core ever needs retooling.
The Same Five
Mike Brown opens his second season with the group that delivered the banner: Brunson, Anunoby, Bridges, Towns and Hart anchoring a team that swept the 76ers and Cavaliers before beating the Spurs in five games for the franchise's first title since 1973. Camp settled the edges of the roster over the past two days — Jaden Akins and Tony Bradley signed in, N'Faly Dante, Toby Okani and John Konchar gone — but the five who mattered most never left. The question is how long the front office can afford to keep it that way.
The Price Tag
New York's payroll sits at $230.2 million, above the second apron, with Towns ($57.1 million), Anunoby ($42.5 million), Brunson ($37.7 million) and Bridges ($33.5 million) eating most of it. That number bought last season's third-ranked offense and a net rating of 6.4, fifth-best in the league. It also leaves almost no room to add without shedding salary first.
Two Deals Hanging
Shams Charania reported September 23 that talks on a Towns extension have stagnated, with nothing since. Miles McBride has his own unresolved contract question, and neither sits closer to a resolution than it did at the start of camp. Both players were part of the five that won the title; the front office has to decide what each is worth to keep.
No Pick To Trade
If this group needs retooling, the draft will not be the tool. New York owes its 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to Brooklyn, with only swap rights in 2028 and 2029 and a 2030 first of its own. Every roster fix from here has to come through trades or re-signings, not a lottery ticket.
The Verdict
The Knicks did not rebuild after the title — they ran it back and paid for it at the second apron. That bet pays off if Towns and McBride both stay; if either walks, this was a one-year run bought at a premium. Banner up, bill due — the front office picked the fight it wanted.
Will the Knicks keep this core together?
The front office is trying, but extension talks with Towns have stalled since September 23 and McBride's contract situation remains unresolved. Neither deal is finalized.
Do the Knicks have draft picks to fall back on if they need to rebuild?
No. New York owes its 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to Brooklyn and holds only swap rights in 2028 and 2029, so any retooling has to come through trades or re-signings.
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