AUGUST 19: The Knicks have officially signed Bacon, according to RealGM’s transactions log. It’s a one-year, minimum-salary contract, and I’d be surprised if it’s fully guaranteed.
AUGUST 9: After being waived by the Magic on Sunday, free agent shooting guard Dwayne Bacon appears to have lined up a new home elsewhere in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks are set to sign Bacon on a new deal, reports Tim Bontemps of ESPN (via Twitter).
Bacon, 25, spent his first three NBA seasons with the Hornets and their NBAGL affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm.
He then signed on with the Magic in 2020, proving his durability by appearing in every single game for Orlando during the 72-game 2020/21 NBA season, including 50 starts. He averaged 10.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.3 APG and 0.6 SPG in 25.7 MPG for a lottery-bound Orlando squad. Bacon sported a shooting line of .402/.285/.824.
As Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter link) notes, the Knicks’ roster currently projects to include 14 guaranteed deals, one non-guaranteed contract (Argentinian point guard Luca Vildoza), and one player on a two-way contract (rookie forward Jericho Sims). It’s unclear whether Bacon will receive a full or partial guarantee on his new deal.
Of course, before he can sign with the Knicks, Bacon will need to clear waivers. That will happen on Tuesday, assuming he goes unclaimed.
Do the 14 guaranteed deals include Kemba Walker yet? If not a move will be necessary. Idk if they’d dump Vildoza without actually giving him a look. Maybe it’ll be Kevin Knox.
The 14 includes Kemba and all the other signings that had been previously reported, so Bacon and Vildoza would be 15 and 16.
That didn’t take long, but this is a good landing spot for him.
I would of brought back Dotson instead.
Luca should be on team. I still think Knicks are making a trade. And Toppin. Knox, Quickley are the bait. Knox was suppose to play in SL. So that doesn’t help. But I think they are going to do something. Bacon deserves a look. Good FT shooter but bad FG and 3PT FG percentages.
Cheaper Bullock replacement.
From the link:
“ZacharyH
August 8, 2021
I think he’s useful. He plays bully ball and his defenders get in foul trouble. Also regularly guards opposing teams best player. Bucks should sign him”
Thibs moved quickly!
Like Fournier, he’s likely comes with a Clifford recommendation, and a Thibs buy in. At this price point, its really no risk. Roster is a little short on wings.
I can see Frazier commenting…
“Right now Bacon is sizzling.”
“ is right now dealing with a grease fire with all that Bacon.”
“The Knicks looking to add a little flavor, bringing in Bacon.”
And on and on…
‘Bacon and making’, ‘Bacon is frying and styling’, etc. Of course, he needs to actually make shots for these to happen, and given that shooting line, it’s a tall order.
Luca didn’t really play in SL. His contract is not guaranteed. Not sure what they are doing with him. Thought they would keep him and move Quickley. But the way Quickley has played. I’m sure he’s staying for awhile. Imo Knicks will listen to offers for Toppin n Quickley. Bacon is a D guy who brings energy. Think they feel he’s a Thibs kind of player. Also McBride has looked like a future starting PG. Luca could go back to Europe.