Latest Knicks Rumors on Every Player Connected to NY in Trades, Free Agency Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft

New York Knicks fans are undoubtedly still celebrating their historical run to the Finals and their 4-1 series win over the San Antonio Spurs. The Finals series was, of course, remarkably memorable, and it brought the Knicks their first championship since 1973.

However, Leon Rose and the Knicks front office can't afford to bask in the Finals afterglow for too long. The 2026 draft will kick off on Tuesday, and free agent negotiations can begin on June 30.

While New York obviously has a terrific foundation in place, it has work to do this offseason in order to stay in title contention. The goal will be to keep the core together and possibly improve, though, financially, that'll be easier in theory than in practice.

The Knicks are slated to be just $3.5 million below the first luxury tax apron. The idea of going over the second apron in 2026 is, apparently, a non-starter.

"There's certain things in the NBA that you'd have to be suicidal to do. One of them is the second apron—cannot go into the second apron," franchise owner James Dolan told WFAN radio (h/t The Athletic's James L. Edwards III).

The first big decision New York faces involves the future of backup center Mitchell Robinson. He's set to be an unrestricted free agent, and the Knicks would reportedly prefer to keep him.

"On Get Up on Friday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported (h/t Alder Almo of Heavy) that New York has engaged in "some level of cursory negotiations" with Robinson's camp.

Guard Landry Shamet is another impending free agent the Knicks should look to keep if financially feasible. Expect the Knicks to work on new deals for Robinson and Shamet well ahead of free agency.

As for the draft, New York may not be eager to add prospects. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, sources believe the Knicks plan to trade either the No. 24 overall pick in the first round or the No. 31 overall pick at the top of Round 2.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, however, the Knicks have "been linked" to Arkansas prospect Meleek Thomas "for weeks."

When it comes to the free-agent and trade markets post-draft, the Knicks are unlikely to be active. Their main focus will be on Robinson, Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Jose Alvarado, who is expected to opt out and see a new contract.

"In fact, part of the reason New Orleans traded him was the presumption that he'd opt out and become a free agent this summer," The Athletic's John Hollinger wrote.

To this point, New York hasn't been linked to any realistic veteran trade targets or notable free agents. The Knicks had been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo in the past, they've been among the teams that haven't come calling this offseason, according to Fischer.

The general expectation is that the Knicks will focus on keeping the core intact before filling out the roster with role players, if necessary.

In March, Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley listed Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bones Hyland as players New York could pursue if players like Shamet and Clarkson depart.

Don't expect the Knicks to do any star-chasing this summer as they put all of their efforts into running it back with the team they have.