An external factor is usually why a budding NBA dynasty collapses. In the past few years, the hard salary cap and second apron have maintained parity across the league. Some were willing to gamble for a year, then disbanded their rosters after hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy. This might be what happens to the New York Knicks. The front office has made it clear they won't get close to the second apron because of directives from owner James Dolan. This could be why they are starting to have rocky relationships with Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart. ESPN even thinks the same.
Knicks' NBA Preseason gives strong evidence for Dolan being the villain
The Knicks have two key players they hope to keep. The first is Karl-Anthony Towns. He makes it easier for Jalen Brunson to find plays and shots. More than that, his production is still at a fringe NBA All-Star level. The Knicks big man averaged 20.1 points on 50.1% shooting. He also grabbed about 11.8 rebounds while dropping three assists during the 2025-26 NBA season.
Another player who keeps the Knicks whole is Josh Hart. This key piece in the 2026 NBA championship run averaged about 12 points on 50.8% field goal shooting while dropping 4.8 assists and grabbing 7.4 rebounds. He’s the heart and hustle of this Knicks roster.
Both players still haven't had their contract situations cleared up because of James Dolan and the Knicks' avoidance of the second apron. All of it has become the central issue for why the Knicks led by Brunson might collapse soon, via Ben Golliver of ESPN.
"Knicks owner James Dolan has taken an unsentimental approach to those harsh realities: His desire to avoid the second apron led to backup center Mitchell Robinson's offseason departure, and the Knicks' recent statement that they have paused negotiation talks with Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart wasn't exactly welcome news," the analyst declared.
Both players are seeking hefty deals. Towns is eligible for a four-year max extension worth $69 million annually. If he signs, he could earn about $276 million. But the Knicks and Dolan have to move fast because his decision deadline is October 19, 2026. Hart, meanwhile, is eligible to sign a four-year deal worth about $132 million. That would require Dolan and the Knicks to pay him at least $54 million to $62 million.
"If New York follows recent precedent and falters in its title defense, Dolan has set himself up to be viewed as the billionaire bogeyman who let money ruin his organization's rare moment in the sun," Golliver added.
Dolan and the Knicks front office have officially tabled these discussions. They want everyone to focus on the upcoming season, leaving players waiting and anxious. If the dominoes start to fall, there might be a clear decision that all Knicks fans can trace back to. Hopefully, everything clears up soon so Brunson and Co. can contend for years to come.
