Knicks are cursing the second apron now but wouldn’t have a title without it

Writer Dan Favale argues that although the NBA's second apron is complicating contract extensions for Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Miles McBride, it enabled the New York Knicks' recent championship run. Favale explains that Minnesota was compelled to trade Towns to New York specifically due to the prohibitive financial burdens of the second apron.

Additionally, the article notes that early team-friendly contract extensions from Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges were heavily influenced by second-apron restrictions, making the title-winning roster possible despite owner James Dolan's reluctance to cross the threshold now.