5:20pm: Okeke is officially back with the team on a new Exhibit 10 contract, the Knicks announced on Twitter.
10:14am: Free agent forward Chuma Okeke, who was waived over the weekend by the Knicks, will be re-signing with the team once the Karl-Anthony Towns trade is official, reports James L. Edwards III of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Okeke, 26, was the 16th overall pick in the 2019 draft. He was stashed in the G League for a season while recovering from a torn ACL, then signed his rookie contract with the Magic in 2020.
Across four seasons in Orlando, the former Auburn standout made a total of 189 regular season appearances, averaging 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 20.3 minutes per game. Known more for his defense, Okeke struggled with his shot, making just 38.3% of his attempts from the floor, including 31.8% of his three-pointers.
Okeke signed an Exhibit 10 contract with New York in August, but had to be waived to allow the club to open up enough roster spots to sign-and-trade several players to Charlotte as part of the Towns deal with the Timberwolves and Hornets. After that trade has been formally completed, which should happen soon, the Knicks will be able to refill the several open spots on their 21-man offseason roster.
Okeke will occupy one of those spots, likely on a new Exhibit 10 deal, but he’ll have an uphill battle to make the regular season roster. Due to its hard cap situation, New York will be able to retain no more than one veteran who is in camp on a non-guaranteed minimum-salary contract — Landry Shamet appears to have the upper hand for that spot.
Marcus Morris, who was waived along with Okeke over the weekend, would also be eligible to return to the Knicks on a new camp deal, but has reportedly decided against it and will seek a new NBA contract elsewhere.
Someone help me here…is there anyway the Knicks can still pull off a trade for a reasonable center, Robert Williams, Nick Richard’s, etc, without giving up anymore key rotation players?
The Hornets waive newly acquired Jeffries, Washington and Brown and gets more
NY trades Dadiet, Ariel two way contract, cash with the draft rights to Rokas, Lessort and Vaulet, Nick N back along with picks for Nick Richards
Not sure what Nick Richards or Robert Williams bring to the Knicks that not already in house. Williams is a 26 year old oft injured rim protector just like Robinson and while Richards is a bit meatier than Achiuwa their respective teams got pretty much the same production.
There’s probably not a realistic path to Williams.
Richards… it depends if you consider Achiuwa a key rotation player. He’d probably have to be included (and can’t be traded until Jan. 15).
THIS is the team for the next three years. The Knicks are all in. There’s no more.
Got KAT and still want more????
Yes, unfortunately Mitch is a china doll and a little depth at center is still needed. Not looking for Hakeem or Shaq, just someone who can defend the rim and grab some boards if Mitch can’t stay healthy.