Knicks fans are wondering why the Knicks are so resistant to go over the second apron considering they just won a chip and therefore dont necessarily need their MLE or the ability to aggregate salaries in trades etc bc the team is essentially a finished product My guess is that its because Jalen Brunson will be extension eligible in 2 years where he is going to be eligible for 5/400mm (80mm per year) My guess is that they are planning to go over the second apron for the 2 years after he signs his extension (cant do 3 out of any consecutive 5 years or your pick 7 years out which could be lottery drops to 30) If they were to go over the second apron this year, with JBs extension looming, it would jeopardize their draft pick in 2033 (7 years out) which is the only major trade asset they have left Staying under second apron while JB is on his discount, and waiting until he gets the bag to go above the second apron extends the championship window of this team to around 2030 (2 years in second apron after extension and keeps our pick out of jeopardy) Makes sense to me Stay under while have him on discount Go over when he gets paid Save the pick/asset, extend the window