# James Dolan's Second Apron Challenge

> Knicks face salary cap squeeze after Towns extension talks stall.
- Title: James Dolan's Second Apron Challenge · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Knicks face salary cap squeeze after Towns extension talks stall. Knicks must trade or cut players to keep Towns on team without breaching $221 million…
- Keywords: karl anthony towns, new york knicks, second apron, james dolan, nba, salary cap, jalen brunson, mikal bridges, og anunoby, josh hart, miles mcbride, james wiseman
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/karl-anthony-towns-contract-knicks-james-dolan-second-apron
- Published: 2026-10-06T14:33:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: karl anthony towns, new york knicks, second apron, james dolan, nba, salary cap, jalen brunson, mikal bridges, og anunoby, josh hart, miles mcbride, james wiseman
## James Dolan's reputation
James dolan is an easy target for criticism as the nba's poster owner for the rich and obnoxious.
## Knicks championship success
The new york knicks won their first championship since 1973 giving dolan temporary grace.
## Towns contract extension
Karl-anthony towns is eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $276 million.
## Current offer for towns
The knicks are currently offering towns around $200 million for his four-year extension.
## Second apron salary cap
The second apron salary cap is set at $221 million for the current season.
## Dolan's stance on second apron
Dolan called breaching the second apron 'suicidal' for the knicks.
## Knicks salary situation
The knicks have roughly $93 million in space below the second apron.
## Towns' player option
Towns has a $61 million player option for 2027-28.
## Hart's team option
Josh hart has a $22.3 million team option next season.
## Potential roster impact
If towns and hart exercise options, knicks have about $10 million in space below the second apron.
## Future contract pressures
Jalen brunson and og anunoby will be due for new contracts in 2028.
## Mikal bridges' timeline
Mikal bridges will be due for a new contract the year after 2028.
## Knicks' potential trade
Knicks may trade miles mcbride to stay under second apron.
## Towns' age and contract
Towns will be 35 by the end of his four-year extension and making north of $50 million per year.
## Key takeaway

Knicks must trade or cut players to keep Towns on team without breaching $221 million salary cap.