Knicks Notes: Bringing Back Key Players, Potential Trades, and the Future

By Arthur Hill | at June 15, 2026 8:01 am

Now that the Knicks have their first NBA title in 53 years, it may take a summer of big spending to keep the team intact. The starters are all under contract for next season, but bringing back key members of the bench unit, which played an important role during the championship run, could require moving into the second apron.

New York currently has eight players signed for 2026/27, and Jose Alvarado holds a $4.5MM player option. If he picks that up and the Knicks keep the 24th pick in the draft, their salary will rise to about $209MM, which is roughly $13MM away from second apron territory.

The most pressing decisions involve backup center Mitchell Robinson and reserve guard Landry Shamet. Coach Mike Brown has praised Shamet for his performance in the playoffs, calling him a huge bargain. However, his free throw shooting was a concern during the NBA Finals.

Shamet will likely seek a better deal this offseason, and his value could increase after his impressive playoff run. The Knicks will have to decide whether to re-sign him and bring back key players like Robinson, who was less effective during the NBA Finals due to a broken bone in his hand.

I think they have to run it back, bringing back everyone they can this offseason and maybe trading picks for future picks. They have limited options to improve around the margins, so it's essential to keep the core players intact.

In a subscriber-only story for The New York Post, Stefan Bondy gives out midseason grades for each player on the standard roster, with Jalen Brunson receiving the lone A.

I see the Knicks signing a 2-year deal with Shamet with the 2nd year being a player option. They'll re-sign Robinson, Alvarado, and McBride. That with the starting five would keep the top nine rotation intact for 2027.

Time has come to look at Towns and Bridges. Only way I go after Giannis. Trade them two for assets to get Giannis. Then keep Mitch. I doubt they do it. So it looks like Mitch will leave. Sign-n-trade is the way.