Knicks navigate tight cap while eyeing minor deals and potential superstar move
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Fresh off an NBA Cup championship, the New York Knicks are operating with almost no financial wiggle room, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Cap constraints
The club is hard-capped and sits just $148,358 under the league’s second tax apron, a gap so slim it prevents New York from adding a 15th player until April 2. Team officials have discussed trimming salary to create breathing space, even if that means acquiring lower-cost contracts.
Names on the radar
Marks singled out forward Pacôme Dadiet, whose deal is guaranteed through next season, and Guerschon Yabusele, whose playing time has plummeted from 27.1 minutes per game with Philadelphia last year to 9.8 minutes in New York. Both could be involved in money-saving moves before the trade deadline.
Giannis question looms
The larger conversation centers on whether the Knicks would empty their limited asset pool if two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo became available. New York’s only tradable first-round pick is a top-eight-protected 2026 selection from Washington that could eventually turn into second-rounders. The Knicks do hold future pick swaps and several expiring contracts—including Mitchell Robinson’s $12.9 million deal—but their overall trade ammunition remains modest.
For now, New York is balancing immediate contention with strict cap limits while keeping a close watch on any superstar that might hit the market.
Source: Hoops Wire
