The books say $227.7 million and the second apron says that is already too much; Brunson's scoring says the engine still runs hot. The numbers below say what this team built last season, and what still has to hold up this season.
Brunson Still Cooking
Jalen Brunson closed last season on a three-game tear, scoring 30 or more every night and averaging 37.7 points over that stretch. That sits well above his 26.0 points-per-game average across the full season. It says nothing about this season; through two preseason games he has 12 and 13 points, not that pace.
The Bill Is In
New York's payroll sits at $227.7 million, above the NBA's $221.7 million second apron. Karl-Anthony Towns counts $57.1 million against that number, Anunoby $42.5 million, Mikal Bridges $33.5 million. It proves the front office paid to keep the champions together. It does not prove the books are settled: Bruce Brown's contract, signed after his move from the Nuggets, is still non-guaranteed, one of the few numbers left that could still move.
Last Season's Floor
The 53-29 record that put New York third in the East came with the league's third-ranked offense, a 118.7 rating. Both numbers are the foundation under the banner now hanging at the Garden. Neither one resets with the record; last season's offense has to be rebuilt by this group, starting from 0-0.
Grind, Not Run
New York played at a 97.7 pace last season, one of the slower tempos in the league. That is the team Mike Brown wants: Brunson creating, Towns spacing the floor, Anunoby and Bridges wearing teams down on defense. It is not built for highlight transition runs, and nothing this preseason suggests that changes.
Bottom Line
Put the numbers together and the message is simple. Brunson is still the best player in the building, the payroll says the Knicks paid to stay a contender, and the pace says they will win the way they won last season or not at all. Whether that math holds starts to get tested October 20 at home against Philadelphia.
How much is the Knicks' payroll this season?
New York is carrying $227.7 million in payroll, above the NBA's $221.7 million second apron.
How hot was Jalen Brunson at the end of last season?
He strung together three straight 30-point games and averaged 37.7 points over that stretch, well above his 26.0 season average.
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