May 19, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) reacts to missing a free throw against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter of game one of the eastern conference finals during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Just two weeks after their 2026 NBA Finals triumph, the New York Knicks are back in the office, ready to attempt the first repeat championship in more than eight years. This offseason brings a limited game plan: the Knicks want to avoid hitting the second apron, which would trigger several penalties for their established roster.
The NBA draft came and went; the Knicks were busy trading down, doing so three times during Round 1 before making two selections on Night 2 — international prospect Jack Kayil and Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel. They have also re-signed pending free agents, bringing trade deadline acquisition Jose Alvarado back on a team-friendly three-year, $14 million deal, center Mohamed Diawara on a four-year, $10 million deal, and Landry Shamet on a four-year, $24 million contract.
Knicks insider Ian Begley reported that the team’s priority was to bring back Shamet, leaving the return of Mitchell Robinson unlikely. Currently, New York’s center room is depleted, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way, followed by Diawara. The Knicks decided Monday evening to decline a qualifying offer to Ariel Hukporti. Here are three avenues the Knicks can explore at center.
Kevon Looney
According to Begley, both the Knicks and Kevon Looney are expected to share interest when free agency opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. The pursuit of Looney makes sense given his relationship with head coach Mike Brown, who served as an assistant and associate head coach with the Golden State Warriors from 2016 to 2022. Over his career, Looney has averaged 11.9 rebounds per 36 minutes and 2.4 offensive rebounds per game, providing the elite glass-crashing and interior grit the Knicks need to anchor their second unit after Robinson’s departure.
His salary will count for a reduced $2.45 million against the cap, making him a high-value, low-cost option to keep the Knicks beneath the $222 million second apron.
Nick Richards
Nick Richards fits the profile of a backup center New York needs: a rim protector searching for minutes. Richards is coming off consecutive solid seasons, averaging 5 points, 5 rebounds, and nearly one block per game in limited minutes. Richards brings vertical spacing and defensive toughness that mirrors what the bench unit lost. As an unrestricted free agent, Richards is expected to command a one-year veteran minimum contract. His salary would register as a reduced $2.45 million cap hit, leaving financial flexibility under the luxury tax aprons.
Precious Achiuwa
Finally, a familiar face: Precious Achiuwa is a versatile 26-year-old big man who has proven he can absorb heavy frontcourt minutes. He played an important role in the Knicks’ 2024-25 Eastern Conference finals push. Coming off a stint in Sacramento, Achiuwa is looking at a veteran minimum market. This places his cap hit at the $2.45 million threshold, making him a perfect salary-cap saver.
