The New York Knicks are officially back on top of the NBA world and are now focused on a repeat. Fresh off clinching the 2026 championship with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14, the franchise's core is returning for another run. Owner James Dolan kept the financials in check, avoiding the punitive second apron, which led to some roster tweaks but preserved the team's championship foundation. The Knicks enter the new season with momentum, having won four of their last five games, including the final two contests of the NBA Finals.
The Knicks' primary goal was keeping their title-winning starting five together, and they succeeded. The bench, however, saw some necessary changes. Backup center Mitchell Robinson departed in free agency, signing a lucrative deal with the Boston Celtics. To fill that void, New York added veteran big man Andre Drummond. He will slot in behind starter Karl-Anthony Towns.
Perhaps just as important were the players they kept. Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado, and Landry Shamet all signed contracts below market value to remain with the team. Mohamed Diawara also returns for depth. This group provides continuity and experience from last season's playoff run. ESPN analyst Zach Kram gave the offseason a B- grade, praising the value deals for Shamet and Alvarado but noting the clear downgrade from Robinson to Drummond at backup center.
Financial restraint defined the Knicks' summer strategy. Despite the franchise's massive valuation and record revenue from Madison Square Garden, owner James Dolan was clear. He stated repeatedly that the team would not cross into the NBA's punitive second luxury tax apron. This decision directly led to Robinson's exit when Boston presented a strong offer.
A team source expressed a cautious outlook for the upcoming season, hinting at the challenges of repeating. The second apron's power to reshape rosters was a league-wide lesson this offseason. For New York, it meant prioritizing financial flexibility over retaining every single role player, even a valuable one like Robinson.
The roster is certainly built for it. Nine of the top ten players from their playoff rotation are back. Jalen Brunson leads an elite starting lineup that showed its toughness throughout the 2026 playoffs. Their recent form is strong, with a 4-1 record in their last five games, a stretch that includes dramatic wins like a 107-106 victory on June 11 and a 105-104 win on June 6 over the Spurs.
However, the Eastern Conference has become a powerhouse. The loss of Robinson's defensive presence could be felt in a tight playoff series. Drummond brings rebounding but is a different stylistic fit. The team's health and the continued elite play of Brunson, Towns, and the rest of the starters will be essential.
Expectations in New York are sky-high. The Knicks are not only contenders; they are the defending champions with a target on their backs. The core is in its prime, with no key players facing immediate age-related decline. Their championship experience, gained through a grueling Finals series decided by narrow margins, is a major asset.
The path will be difficult. The second apron decision shows a limit to their spending, so in-season adjustments may be tricky. But with a cohesive unit and proven stars, the Knicks have as good a shot as any team to win it all again. Their journey begins with the same group that ended a 53-year drought, now tasked with starting a new legacy.
