James Dolan sends clear message regarding New York Knicks' offseason spending

After winning the 2026 NBA title, the New York Knicks would like to keep the roster as in tact as possible. 

However, with several players headed for free agency, doing so might be easier said than done for the Knicks.

James Dolan says Knicks won't go into second apron to retain free agents 

Owner James Dolan acknowledged as much during an appearance on The Carton Show on WFAN. 

"If we could bring back the whole team, exactly as it is, why wouldn’t you? But I don’t know if we’re going to be able to," Dolan said, via RealGM. 

"We’re willing to stretch, but there’s certain things in the NBA that you’d have to be suicidal to do and we’re not going to do those." 

Dolan made it clear that he's not willing to go into the second apron to keep New York's roster in tact. Teams that go into the second April are penalized by the NBA and future limits are opposed on their ability to trade players and sign free agents. This past season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were the only team in the league to go into the second apron. 

"One of them is the second apron. Cannot go into the second apron. But that's up to (president of basketball operations) Leon (Rose). I tell him how big of a check that I'll write," Dolan said. "I’ll write as big of a check as possible, but I can’t write a check that goes into the second apron."

The Knicks are projected to be about $13 million below the second apron this summer. 

More NBA news: 

• De'Aaron Fox's future with San Antonio Spurs gets major update
• James Dolan apologizes to New York Knicks fans after winning NBA championship
• Lakers' LeBron James makes bold claim regarding NBA GOAT debate
• Donald Trump shares high praise for Spurs' Victor Wembanyama
• Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving provides major offseason injury update