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What’s next for Knicks with Landry Shamet back in fold on $24 million contract
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The New York Knicks just threaded an impossibly small needle. They successfully re-signed Landry Shamet for 4-years/$24 million dollars. With Shamet back, the Knicks are set to return just about every player from their impossible 16-3 2026 postseason run —the one that led to their first NBA Championship in 53 years. Still, New York has work left to do.
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Shamet's approximately $6 million salary for 2026-27 puts the Knicks up to $210.9 million for 11 players. New York must add another three players. And they must plan accordingly because currently there is only one center on their roster, Karl-Anthony Towns .
Latest on Mitchell Robinson returning to the Knicks
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
How much Mitchell Robinson is willing to sign for is the biggest unanswered question for the Knicks' 2026 offseason. If New York signed Robinson for $15 million for next season—which is what he made last season—they would stand approximately $4 million over the second apron.
Granted, New York would still have to sign two additional players. If those two players are both rookie minimum deals, it adds $2.72 million. And if it works out to be one rookie minimum and Ariel Hukporti , it adds $3.54 million. That means that the Knicks would have to subtract either $6.6 million or $7.44 million. But the penalty isn't assessed until the end of the season. Thus, the Knicks could look to shed salary throughout the season itself.
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But what if Robinson were open to re-signing a four-year deal that begins at $12 million? Considering maximum eight percent raises, that could work out to 4-years/$54 million. If that's agreeable, the Knicks would be only approximately $4 million over the second apron.
It's important to remember that Miles McBride accounts for $3.96 million. And Pacome Dadiet represents $2.983. Both can technically be dealt for lesser deals, assuming the right trade partner. Granted, that may require draft capital (e.g., some of the second round picks that New York accumulated last week.) Swapping them out for rookie minimums could bring the Knicks below the second apron.
Most importantly, Robinson could opt out after two seasons and re-sign for a bigger number, which could also fit under the second apron if Towns gives the Knicks a discount when re-signing as soon as next season.
What if Robinson walks?
If Robinson walks, the most New York can offer a replacement free agent is the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception. That works out to $6.065 million. Who would that entice? Assuming the Knicks re-sign Hukporti, as mentioned above, they could set their gaze on Andre Drummond . Drummond recently played for the Philadelphia 76ers for a 2-year/$10 million deal, which expired following the 2025-26 season. Nick Richard and Kevin Looney are other options. Richards made $5 million last season, and Looney made $8 million.
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Signing a backup center via the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception might result in a drop-off in terms of rim protection and offensive rebounding, at least in a one-for-one comparison. But it would enable them to utilize the veteran minimum to sign another player, which might be preferable to filling out the roster with un-drafted rookies.
Whomever the Knicks might look to add via the veteran minimum could swing this course of action in their favor. If a high-profile, impactful vet wants to join the Knicks to chase a championship, might the totality of the additions benefit New York more than retaining Robinson? It's entirely possible.
Long story short, the Knicks are in an incredibly advantageous position thanks to Shamet's selflessness. Shamet gave the Knicks a non-meaningless amount of cap space to help round out their roster. And James Dolan, Leon Rose, and co. should be eternally grateful. And now, just maybe, they can bring their entire team back to defend their championship.
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