The Knicks can add a free agent via a prorated veteran’s minimum contract while remaining below their hard cap as early as Friday. They have an open roster spot, though as a first-apron team, they can’t sign a player who made more than $12.8MM before being bought out.
Noting that there are few notable options on the buyout market this winter, The Athletic’s James Edwards III takes a closer look at the players who fit the bill, plus several other free agents who might make sense for New York. He identifies T.J. Warren, Chuma Okeke, Chris Duarte, Christian Wood and Josh Richardson as potential targets, with Warren and Okeke topping the list since both are playing for the Westchester Knicks, the team’s NBA G League affiliate.
We have more on the Knicks:
- The Knicks made two major trades to acquire forwards OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, then gave Anunoby a huge contract in free agency. However, those investments are not paying off against the league’s elite, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post notes. In a combined seven losses to Cleveland, Boston and Oklahoma City, Anunoby is averaging 9.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 35.3 minutes per game while shooting 39% overall and 24% on three-point tries. In those same games, Bridges is averaging 14 points and two rebounds in 34 minutes while shooting 44% overall and 28% on threes.
- Ariel Hukporti made his first start on Wednesday with Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined. Hukporti didn’t finish the game, exiting in the second half with a sprained left knee, according to Peter Botte of the New York Post. The rookie big man had eight points and two rebounds in 16 minutes. “I thought Ariel gave us good minutes,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He’s a young guy who’s learning and getting better.” Hukporti was promoted to a standard contract in early November after originally being signed to a two-way deal.
- In case you missed it, there’s reportedly optimism that center Mitchell Robinson will make his season debut as soon as this weekend. Get the details here.
the reason OG and Bridges aren’t “paying off against the league’s elite” is they aren’t elite. Put the Knicks starting 5 against Bos, Cleveland, or OKC and they come up lacking.
How would you know that when the Knicks ‘starting 5’ has yet to play a single game this season?
So much overreaction by people who probably haven’t seen a Knicks game all season. Against Memphis, Denver, Milwaukee, and Indiana (so #2 and #3 in the West, and #4 and #5 in the East; reminder that Knicks are #3), Knicks are 7-1. Who cares? They’re regular season games.
Just calm down, everyone. It’s the regular season and they’re going to win close to 55 games.
I’ve watched the Knicks play about 10 times this year, and I’m super calm.
Thanks for checking in.
I guess he doesn’t read much or store knowledge well lol…. Cause how did this happen.
“Knicks advance to second round, down Cavs 106-95 in Game 5 in 2023 …….”
Cavs are same team older. Knicks are basically a new team this year. OG is fine. But I am concerned about 2WayBridges. And I have been saying it all yr. Still believe in him lol.
The post isn’t inferring that the Knicks players are “elite.”
I know.
I don’t think so.
@claydagoat – Absolutely agree about OG and Bridges. They got hyped into superstar status as elite 3 and D guys …. Especially Bridges. They are far closer to above average than elite. However, the Knicks completely change defensively with a healthy Mitch Robinson inside. They are a poor defensive team with Mitch. Add back Mitch, and OG and Bridges defensive skills get elevated. They could be prepped for a strong playoff run with Mitch.
Don’t get carried away by Boston wiping the floor with the Knicks in the regular season. These playoff games are gonna be played in the 90’s. Knicks will be back to grinding. Celtics don’t deal with adversity very well. Every opponent they faced in last years playoffs was missing multiple players except Dallas, who wasn’t supposed to be in the Finals. Let’s see how the three’s are falling when these games become grinders. Same with anybody who has to play Orlando if Suggs gets healthy.
Knicks will be a different team with Mitch. Thibs loves to play grinder ball with 6 or 7 dudes. Take your chances offensively with Brunson and KAT.
Knicks aren’t scary and the Knicks wouldnt have won in the 90s either.
Sorry.
The Knicks aren’t “grinders” Not even close. They play fast.
They’re 5th in the NBA in scoring and 12th on defense.
OG is first team defense. Real knowledge knows this. The whole NBA knows this. 7 gms is what ??
I can show you other 7 gms. Winning is about team chemistry and team play. Knicks are still finding that. Knicks are fine with OG.
Bridges is concerning. He put up 28 on Philly last night. He is a concern. But nobody is giving up onna guy who pkays bith ways. Is the iron nan of NBA. And avg 25 a game on Nets. We do need him to level. I agree 100%. But nobody is giving up on him after 54 gms. On a team put together this year …..
@ Barry. How many games Kristaps play in the playoffs on the title run? When Steph played backup point guards every round in one championship season, he was getting called the GOAT PG. When the lakers won the bubble chip with every single team they played missing guys. Some called it the hardest championship ever won.
> “…OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, then gave Anunoby a huge contract in free
> agency. However, those investments are not paying off against the league’s elite”
While some may be surprised, this is what OG & Bridges have been the last 7 years.
The big question: will Knicks follow through on the massive 5 year deal for Bridges? If so, that’s ~$170M/yr for the next 4 years committed to their “core” of Towns, OG, Bridges, and Brunson. Average age today: 28 years old. Meanwhlle, Cleveland and Boston are both better and younger.
OG is doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing and nothing has been disappointing. Bridges however, has been a bit disappointing, but from the defensive view. The other issue on the defensive end is Towns, who is actually a solid player on that end but tends to make silly fouls and this lays off intentionally so he can stay relevant in the game. Teams realize that because there really is t a backup to him.
I’m hoping the return of MR will allow Towns to be a bit more aggressive on D and the overall team D improves because of it.
OG hasn’t played over 70 games since 2018. So I guess him playing less than 70 again this year isn’t disappointing since he simply doesn’t do it.
That’s right. They knew what they were getting into and signing. They know his history of injury, and they certainly didn’t sign him to be an offensive weapon. He’s the 5th option on the starting lineup. If he locks down and sprinkles in some points for ~65 games in the regular season, then they got what they expected.
36 mins, 5 reb, 16 pts a gm right now. He wants to define a guy on 7 gms. In his first yr on a new contract. Whole NBA knows OG is one of best 2way players in the game . And in his prime lol.
We finally agree on something bro ……
Padam said:
> OG is doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing and nothing has been
> disappointing.
The article says:
“In a combined seven losses to Cleveland, Boston and Oklahoma City, Anunoby is averaging 9.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 35.3 minutes per game while shooting 39% overall and 24% on three-point tries.”
What good teams have the Knicks beaten this season? Nuggets and Rockets. Bucks and Twolves. Pistons in the 5th game of the season.
That’s it. Can Robinson save their season, or do they lose in the 1st rd?
I forgot the Pacers in the 2nd game of the season, and the Grizzlies
To be fair, the Knicks have been better than 75% of the league.
The problem is the large gap between the Knicks and the top teams.
There’s Boston, Cleveland and Oklahoma. Then there’s everyone else.
Yes, all three are very good defensive teams as well. They didn’t sign him to score.
> They didn’t sign him to score.
Exactly. Now we’re getting to the real problem.
They gave him a 5 year deal for ~$220M. That’s ~$15M-$17M per year more than a defensive specialist is worth.
When you overpay for one player that much, it makes it hard to compete.
Seven games defines his career. Thank you for your insight. What real investment innlife or business gets done in sevens games. This is called hating. No one cares about seven gms lol. The product will be judged at end of season. Losing is a team thing. Just like overcoming is a team thing. Chemistry is a team thing. Chemistry takes time and commitment. Like I show as a real Knick fan ……. You can find all thats wrong. I will find how to fix it. Show me another team with basically four new starters. That is doing this well. Team building has its bumbs and walls. You don’t turn back or give up. The real measure will be the playoffs. Ask the Cavs how that helped in 2023
> Seven games defines his career.
You missed the point: the 7 games are consistent with his whole career.
OG has always disappeared against good defenses. He’s not a $45M-yr/$220M player. Derrick White just signed a 5 year deal at $15M less per year than OG. Alex Caruso just signed a 4 year deal at ~$20M less per year than OG.
As far as OG’s contract as an “investment”, I’m shorting.
Paging Ryan Arcidiaconno……….
I was really hoping fir Boucher somehow. It looks like Mitch and TJ is Knicks best additions. At this time of season. Two rotation guys is pretty good.
Hukporti is another Thibs success story. Told y’all in preseason about him. He can make it possible to move Mitch next year. Plenty time to get primed for playoffs……… NYK
I can understand the criticism. And we all want our best players to step up when needed. Well ……
Welcome to the real world. Team building and chemistry take time. Not an excuse its reality. See 2023 playoffs Cavs lose in 5 gms.
Yes Knicks have been spanked by Celtics, Cavs, Thunder. I posted this long ago. But what no one sees or cares. These three teams are already elite. Cause they have been together for years. They have deep benches. They are where Knicks want to go …….
I apologize for Knicks not doing it after 58 gms. Or becoming a contender in 58 gms. Cause thats how long its been. With no Mitch and a new bench. All who just love to criticize. Should really learn here. Team building 101 ……. takes time. This team is 58 gms old. Swallow that.
Bridges has played 58 gms this yr.
ZERO gms last yr.
Towns has played 52 gms this yr.
ZERO gms ladt yr.
Hart has played 55 gms this yr.
He played 81 gms last yr. Started 42 of them. Cause of injuries on team. He was our sixth man.
OG has played 52 gms this yr.
He played 23 gms last yr. Came in trade from Toronto
Brunson has played 57 this yr,
He played 77 gms last yr. Is only returning starter from 2023-24 team
Basically a new starting 5 ———— NEW
Bench ———-
McBride avg (19.5) mins last yr. Avg (23.5) mins this yr.
Achiuwa avg (24.2) mins in 49 gms. Cause Randle and OG got hurt. This yr he avg (22.8) mins.
Sims avg (13) mins 45 gms. This yr he avg (10.8) mins. He was traded away.
These three players are only returning players from last yrs Bench. And Sims has been moved. Do we understand this boys n girls. Do you even care. Its easy to hate and criticize. But know the real story. Thats called knowledgeable, thorough, resourceful. If I can find this out all of you can too. I don’t make Shhh up. I keep it real.
I’ve said all year. Bridges is the key. Need him to level up and stay there. Still inconsistent at this point. Had 28 last night. We need that Bridges every night. Still building still got time for this year. This team thing is a marathon not a sprint. NYK
Class closed ////:/