Trail Blazers forward Kevin Knox, Thunder wing Lindy Waters, and Timberwolves big man Nathan Knight have all had their team options for the 2023/24 season declined by their respective clubs, Hoops Rumors has confirmed. Keith Smith of Spotrac (Twitter link) reported the three option decisions.
The deadline to exercise a player or team option for ’23/24 was Thursday at 4:00 pm Central time, so the fact that there had been no word on these three options was a strong indication that they weren’t picked up. They were the last three we were waiting for confirmation on — the rest of this year’s team and player option decision had been made.
Knox’s team option with the Trail Blazers would have been worth $3MM. The former No. 9 overall pick finished the 2022/23 season in Portland after being traded from Detroit at February’s deadline. In 63 total appearances for the Pistons and Blazers, he averaged 6.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 15.1 minutes per night.
Knox will become an unrestricted free agent after having his option turned down. Waters and Knight, who would’ve earned $1.93MM apiece if their options had been exercised, were eligible for qualifying offers to make them restricted free agents, but there’s no indication that either player received one. We’ll be able to confirm that on Friday before free agency officially opens.
Waters averaged 5.2 PPG on .393/.358/.800 shooting in 41 games (13.0 MPG) for the Thunder, while Knight registered 3.7 PPG and 1.5 RPG in 38 contests (7.7 MPG) for Minnesota.
I’m interested to see who the Wolves end up signing after letting go of Prince, Alexander Walker & now Knight
Waters III just got his option exercised. According to Spotrac.
That was inaccurate, and Keith later corrected himself.
I’m surprised all three were rejected
Kevin Knox should go to the Phoenix Suns. It’s his hometown team and he will be playing on a loaded roster. Have a chance to revive his career on the veterans minimum deal.
Kevin Knox is from Tampa, Florida. Went to Tampa Catholic. His Dad, Kevin Knox, Sr. is a friend of mine. Played college football at Florida State, and had a cup of coffee in the NFL. Mom was a star volleyball player. Great kid. Has a brother who will likely be in the league in the next couple of years. Currently, a a Top 15 high school senior.
Wasn’t Knox supposed to be the centerpiece of the Kmocks trade for Giannis?
Knox needs to hit the gleague where he can play and work on his game..