Knicks Offseason Wrap-Up (For Now) | C.R.E.A.M. - Cap Rules Everything Around Me w/ Jeremy Cohen

Knicks cap breakdown after McColl Bridges extension: what fans need to know

Episode focus: a step-by-step financial and roster analysis after McColl Bridges’ four-year, $150 million extension and how it reshapes New York’s short- and long-term options.

Why Bridges matters for the Knicks' salary cap flexibility

The Bridges extension secures team control and eliminates open-market risk, but it contributes to the Knicks sitting above the first apron and under the second apron. That creates a constrained payroll environment, forcing tradeoffs between keeping Mitchell Robinson, filling two roster spots, and preserving midseason maneuverability.

Rookie exception, two-way contracts, and roster construction tactics

The episode explains the difference between rookie exception contracts and minimum deals for undrafted players, and why the Knicks uniquely have all three two-way slots available. Opting to use the rookie exception (for players like Muhammad Diwara) versus signing undrafted talents affects guaranteed years, cap holds, and savings at key guarantee dates.

Short-term moves to maximize flexibility (practical roster options)

• Sign a veteran shooter to a prorated non-guaranteed minimum to preserve cap room.
• Use two-way contracts for undrafted or young prospects to retain rookie exception flexibility.
• Delay guaranteeing contracts for 14 days to save roughly a million dollars across deals.

Second-apron constraints and long-term trade choices

Because the Knicks are hard-capped at the second apron for the year due to Gershon Yabusele’s deal, any above-apron commitments (for example, a bigger extension or signing Mitchell Robinson at 140% of current salary) could block future strategic moves. The host frames this as a clear tradeoff: run it back together now and go above the second apron, or conserve payroll flexibility and risk losing certain players.

Trade scenarios, buyouts, and market timing

The conversation surveys potential trades (including hypotheticals involving Cat or OG), the limited value of moving Tyler Kolic now, and the realities of buyout-market timing. The host emphasizes patient strategy—slow-play Kolic, evaluate buyouts later, and avoid overpaying for aging veterans like Brogdon or Simmons if they undermine spacing.

Bottom line: This episode is a practical guide to Knicks cap math, covering rookie exceptions, two-way strategy, second-apron limits, and the broader decision between keeping the roster intact or creating flexibility for future trades.