Knicks contract drama could be good news for Celtics

Cincinnati? Not—this NBA story is about the Knicks’ contract pressure and why it could benefit the Celtics. New York won the 2026 NBA championship four months ago, but is facing long-term decisions tied to the league’s second apron. The Knicks let Mitchell Robinson leave in free agency rather than exceed the second apron to keep their core. Now, Karl-Anthony Towns is in his final guaranteed year with a $61 million player option next summer, and is eligible for a four-year, $276 million extension. ESPN reports New York has offered him a max of $200 million, which Towns said he finds far apart. Josh Hart has two years left and could seek a four-year deal worth up to $131 million. Knicks owner James Dolan has said he won’t cross the second apron, raising the risk that extensions become distractions around the February trade deadline.