New Knicks Rumors on Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet Free-Agency Contract Buzz After NBA Title Win

After winning the 2026 NBA championship, the New York Knicks reportedly will have a hard time retaining some of their top free agents.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype noted that the recent comments from Knicks owner James Dolan on avoiding the second apron have many around the league predicting that center Mitchell Robinson and guard Landry Shamet will be lost to the open market.

"There are certain things in the NBA that you'd have to be suicidal to do. One of them is the second apron," Dolan said during a radio appearance on WFAN. "Cannot go into the second apron. That's up to Leon (Rose). I'm just telling him how big of a check I can write. I'll write as big of a check as possible, but I can't write a check that goes into the second apron."

According to Scotto, Robinson "is expected to draw full non-taxpayer mid-level exception interest or slightly higher in unrestricted free agency," and he is "considered unlikely to return to New York if remaining below the second apron remains a mandate."

Robinson is the longest-tenured member of New York's championship roster, joining the team as a second-round pick in 2018. He's been a consistent rim protector and rebounder throughout his career, and he played a key role in stifling San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Finals as the Knicks won in five games.

Similarly, Shamet played well off the bench throughout the playoffs and "is expected to have a robust market in free agency with numerous teams interested," per Scotto. While the sharpshooting veteran is reportedly "beloved by Knicks coach Mike Brown and the front office," Scotto stated that he's "not a lock to return to the Knicks."

Scotto added that Dolan's stance on the second apron will be the determining factor in whether New York can retain Robinson and Shamet this offseason.

"Looking ahead, if New York's front office can't go into the second apron as Dolan proclaimed, many executives around the league are salivating at the possibility of prying Shamet away from the Knicks," Scotto stated.