Knicks Shift to Faster Offense, Navigate Cap Constraints

After reaching the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks have retained a locked-in core—Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns—and added veteran depth in the offseason, including Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele and several non-guaranteed/exhibit signings (Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet, Garrison Mathews). New head coach Mike Brown replaced Tom Thibodeau and is installing a faster, pace-oriented offense that emphasizes quicker decisions, mental toughness and stricter minute management, drawing on his experience with Golden State. The franchise is pursuing a legitimate title bid while navigating new CBA hard-cap/second-tax-apron rules that have constrained roster plans (the cited apron figure is roughly $207.8 million). Cap pressure has led front-office plans to likely make at least one trade before rosters lock to preserve midseason flexibility, with reported options including packaging Mitchell Robinson’s $12.95 million salary or moving a young draftee’s contract (Pacome Dadiet or Tyler Kolek) to create room for prioritized veterans. In short, New York is balancing Brown’s faster system and win-now upgrades with forced financial and roster moves to protect playoff durability and midseason flexibility.