New York Knicks keep 2026 championship ball after auction cancellation, face roster changes

The NBA withdrew the Game 4 basketball used in the New York Knicks' 2026 Finals victory from a Sotheby’s auction just minutes before it was to begin, allowing the Knicks to retain the historic "Hand of OG" ball. The win ended a 53‑year championship drought, with Jalen Brunson earning Finals MVP and the team posting a 13‑game playoff winning streak.

In the offseason, veteran center Mitchell Robinson left the Knicks, signing a three‑year, $47 million contract with the Boston Celtics. His departure follows owner James Dolan’s efforts to reduce the Knicks' salary bill and raises concerns about the team's defensive depth for a potential title repeat.

Meanwhile, the Celtics traded star forward Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and multiple draft picks. The move shifted betting odds, moving the Knicks ahead of Boston in Eastern Conference forecasts and improving their chances of defending the 2027 NBA title.