New York's bill tops $227.7M, firmly above the league's $221.7M second apron, with little room to maneuver until it comes down. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the way at $57.1M this season, but his $61.0M player option for 2027-28 puts the next decision in his hands, not the front office's.
The Number
New York carries $227.7M in salary, above the league's $221.7M second apron, with the tax line at $200.4M, the first apron at $209.0M, and the cap itself at $165.0M. Past that second line, the penalties bite: no absorbing extra salary in trades, no topping the minimum on buyout signings, no in-season fixes.
The Big Four
Karl-Anthony Towns leads the books at $57.1M, followed by OG Anunoby at $42.5M, Jalen Brunson at $37.7M, Mikal Bridges at $33.5M and Josh Hart at $20.9M. Those five contracts carry the bulk of the bill, and all five run into 2027-28 at minimum.
Towns' Price Tag
Towns' number only grows: his deal jumps to $61.0M next season if he exercises the player option, more than any other Knick makes now. The front office paused extension talks on him this month, and Towns called the move disappointing; Hart pushed back on the decision in public. The option puts the call in Towns' hands — stay at $61.0M, or test what else is out there.
Picks Owed
The draft cupboard is thin. Brooklyn already owns the 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, the 2028 first and 2029 second are swaps, and Detroit and Atlanta hold second-rounders in 2028 and 2030. Only the 2027 second and the 2030 first stay fully New York's.
Bottom Line
The champions bought this roster, and they're still paying for it. Sitting above the second apron freezes most moves until the bill drops, and Towns' rising option means the biggest decision is still ahead. Every pick traded away was a vet brought in instead, and that's the bargain a champion makes. For now, the group that won it all is the group New York is stuck with.
How far above the salary cap are the Knicks?
New York's $227.7M payroll sits above the $221.7M second apron, with the luxury tax line at $200.4M and the cap itself at $165.0M.
Does Karl-Anthony Towns have a contract decision coming?
Towns holds a $61.0M player option for 2027-28, and the choice to pick it up is his after the Knicks paused extension negotiations this month.
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