Knicks’ Bruce Brown breaks down major second apron downside

October 9, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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Bruce Brown finds himself fighting for a spot on an NBA roster with only two weeks to go before the start of the regular season. He failed to find any significant offers in free agency despite playing okay basketball for the Denver Nuggets and even suiting up in all 82 games. As a result, he had to settle for an Exhibit-9 contract from the New York Knicks to try and sneak into the roster.

At the very least, the Knicks have two open roster spots. The problem is that the Knicks are only around $3.2 million or so below the second apron, which makes filling the roster difficult from a financial perspective. And Brown is left to contend with the sobering hand that today’s second apron landscape has dealt him.

“I’m sure there is (frustration). The new CBA is good for max guys, new free agents and rookie extension guys. The middle guys, it kind of sucks for us. There’s not a lot of people getting that full mid-level,” Brown said, via SNY Knicks on X. “But that’s just the way it is right now.”

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Bruce Brown was asked if there's frustration among players with the second apron
"I'm sure there is. The new CBA is good for max guys, new free agents and rookie extension guys. The middle guys, it kind of sucks for us. There's not a lot of people getting that full mid-level" pic.twitter.com/hVmrnZZSsH
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) October 9, 2026

The Nuggets could have brought Brown back on a minimum deal, but they have shown no inclination to do so, especially when they already find themselves above the second apron threshold.

It’s been a swift downfall for Brown, who, not too long ago, found himself as one of the most sought-after free agents in the league. At the very least, Brown already chased the bag when he signed a two-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers back in 2023, so the financial crunch that is hitting the NBA’s middle class doesn’t hurt for him as much as it does for others.

Nonetheless, Brown might put himself in a position to earn a bag yet again if he ends up making the Knicks’ roster and if he plays a huge role in their hopes of repeating as NBA champion.

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