Knicks options for final free-agent spot: Chris Paul, Marcus Smart

LAS VEGAS — Aprons schmaprons.

Once again, the Knicks were able to navigate the NBA’s restrictive salary-cap system by creatively squeezing money in the crevices. Much of the credit belongs to team capologist Brock Aller, who treats roster building like a mathematical equation. Jalen Brunson also deserves another round of kudos from Knicks faithful for signing that team-friendly extension, a maneuver that saved the Knicks more than $11 million in cap space just for next season.

And this summer, the Knicks discovered the best formula — cap-wise — to build out their bench in free agency.

How? A multi-step process: