Shortly after the 2019 draft concluded in June, the Knicks struck a deal with rookie swingman Kris Wilkes, agreeing to sign him to a two-way contract. However, two and a half months later, that agreement still hasn’t been made official, and Marc Berman of The New York Post explains why.
According to Berman, Wilkes won’t be joining the Knicks for training camp after all, as his two-way agreement with the team has been voided for health reasons. It’s not clear what sort of health issue is plaguing the former UCLA standout, but Berman notes that the 20-year-old missed Summer League play with what the Knicks termed an illness.
Although Wilkes isn’t considered likely to be healthy in time for training camp, the Knicks would still have interest in bringing him aboard later in the season, a source tells Berman. GM Scott Perry publicly discussed Wilkes after reaching an agreement with him in June, telling reporters that the team was “kind of surprised” the rookie wasn’t drafted.
Wilkes, who was the 23rd-best prospect to go undrafted in June, per ESPN’s big board, averaged 17.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 1.7 APG in 33 games during his sophomore season with the Bruins. He has a wingspan of nearly 7’0″ and has potential as a slasher and multi-postional defender, according to ESPN’s scouting report.
The Knicks, meanwhile, still have an open two-way slot next to Kadeem Allen. As our tracker shows, they’re one of 10 teams around the league that still has at least one two-way opening.
Sorry, Wilkes, the Knicks are only looking for 4’s
Their offseason approach was like starting a band with 4 guitarists and no rhythm section. Don’t see a lot of that in the rock and roll hall of fame.
Wilkes is a solid prospect, should go to GSW and learn to play with the games best
Wilkes had two huge problems with UCLA. He hardly ever passed the ball and his defense was hideous. Maybe different coaches can make a difference because Alford did nothing for the young man.