Courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
JULY 9TH, 12:51pm: The deal is official, the Knicks announced (on Twitter).
JULY 3RD, 9:44pm: After striking out on a number of high-profile free agent targets, the Knicks have reached an agreement with free agent forward Derrick Williams, Chris Broussard of ESPN.com reports (Twitter link). It is a two year pact for $10MM, and it includes a player option for the 2016/17 season, Broussard adds. Williams became an unrestricted free agent when Sacramento declined to tender him a qualifying offer.
The 24-year-old out of Arizona is a combo forward, and it’s not immediately clear how New York will utilize Williams. He could start at power forward alongside Carmelo Anthony, or come off the bench at either forward spot if the Knicks choose to keep ‘Melo at power forward, a position he has excelled at the last few seasons. The Mavericks, Kings, Wizards, Rockets, Lakers, Heat, and Suns all had some level of interest in Williams.
Williams began his NBA career in Minnesota, who made him the No. 2 overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft. He appeared in 74 games for the Kings last season, including six as a starter. Williams notched averages of 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 19.8 minutes per contest, to go along with a slash line of .447/.314/.684. His career numbers through four seasons as a pro are 9.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 0.6 APG, with a shooting line of .429/.301/.703.
Lol
Williams isn’t starting over “Zinger”.
Right idea, needing a combo forward to play next to melo…wrong execution of the idea with Derrick Williams, who doesn’t shoot the ball well enough and is bad defensively
Doesn’t look like there were any stories indicating teams were interested in signinig Williams. If there were, then shouldn’t those stories be linked in this article?
The Mavs were set to meet with Williams and a few other teams were said to be interested. You can find his player page here:
link to hoopsrumors.com
Combo Forward is a nicer term than Tweener
Man Williams did nothing in Minnesota or with the kings it pissed me off cause I’m a wolves fan and he just sucked he isn’t gonna do anything in new York plus he gets 10mill wow