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[New York Knicks]

2025 NBA Draft: Latest Knicks rumors and predictions

Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

Knicks’ plans for the 2025 NBA Draft

The New York Knicks approach the 2025 NBA Draft with a modest hand: a single second-round pick at No. 50 overall. With their first-round selection previously dealt away, this year’s draft won’t be about splashy moves, unless Leon Rose has something tricky up his sleeve.

The 2025 NBA Draft will take place June 25 (ABC/ESPN) and June 26 (ESPN), with both nights beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

After a successful 2024–25 campaign that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks have a stable core, yet questions remain around their bench. Several rotation players are entering free agency, and the team has limited cap flexibility. As a result, New York is expected to target either a seasoned college player who can contribute right away or a younger prospect with long-term upside.

One name that has emerged in multiple mock drafts is Lachlan Olbrich, a 6’10” forward/center from Australia’s NBL. Olbrich offers physicality, rebounding, and strong instincts as a passer from the post—qualities that would complement the Knicks’ frontcourt. He’s not a flashy pick, but he fits a practical need: frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti.

If Olbrich is off the board, other potential targets include elite shooter Koby Brea, known for his three-point accuracy, which could help improve New York’s 20th-ranked three-point shooting percentage from last season. Also in the mix are older, versatile forwards such as Eric Dixon (Villanova!), Sion James (Duke), John Tonje (Wisconsin), and Darrion Williams (Texas Tech)—all of whom bring experience and promise plug-and-play reliability.

If past drafts have shown anything, it’s that the Knicks can find gems outside the lottery. This year, they’ll try to do so again.

Team President Leon Rose has a reputation for patience—but also for bold moves when opportunity presents. It wouldn’t shock us if he found a way to trade into the first round or acquire a higher second-round pick should an opening present itself. As ever with this front office, steely reticence often precedes loud surprises.

Fanduel gives the Knicks +300 odds to win the Eastern Conference. It seems unlikely that whatever New York does in the Draft will affect that number, but we’ll keep an eye on it at their site.

Go Knicks.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ba-draft-latest-knicks-rumors-and-predictions

 

[New York Knicks]

June P&T mailbag: The coaching search, where to upgrade & why we do we care so much about the Knicks?

Joe Rondone-Imagn Images

I’m too hot to think of a subtitle

A few weeks ago, shortly after publishing the invite to this month’s mailbag, the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau. That post got 968 comments — pretty good! — though almost all were about the firing. Not many responses to the mailbag prompt. Makes sense.

Today’s mailbag includes two questions I have for all of you about the current state of Knicksdom, then one question from an actual reader. I’d like to hear your thoughts on the questions in the comments. It’s a great day not to rank sex criminal and death-dealer Andrew Cuomo in NYC’s mayoral primary and a great day to talk Knicks!

What do you make of what you’ve heard so far about the Knicks’ coaching search? Are you concerned they look like they’re going from Plan X to Plan Y to Plan Z? What are you looking for in the next HC of the NYK?​

When the Thibs’ firing was first announced, my initial thought was the Knicks must have a specific replacement in mind. It didn’t seem a rash decision, or maybe didn’t seem it could be, because I don’t think of Leon Rose as rash, and if the only person with the power and rashness to fire Thibs besides Rose was responsible that story would have leaked a long time ago. Yet I couldn’t think of any realistic dream candidates; it’s not like Erik Spoelstra or Ty Lue are feening for the gig. So I figured the Knicks had someone in mind who wasn’t on anyone else’s radar, or at least not on mine, and was willing to wait and see.

Even through their much-derided coaching search walk of shame, stumbling home at 4 a.m. alone after yet again being denied permission to talk to seemingly half the league’s current head coaches, I didn’t feel any concern. Again I figured there had to be more going on than I could guess at. The Knicks couldn’t really have risked it all on Jason Kidd or Billy Donovan. Nah. No way.

I suppose there could be a coach fired sooner than later that no one saw coming, though I can’t see that happening to any coach that would matter to us. If Rick Carlisle, Chris Finch or Mark Daigneault are available two weeks from now, get them on line one STAT. Otherwise, I suspect what we’re hearing now is what we’re looking at, ultimately: Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins and Micah Nori or something of his ilk, i.e. a highly-regarded assistant who’s been to the big chair more than once. I’m okay with any of those three, something I wouldn’t have felt two weeks ago. What changed?

I wrote a piece that was supposed to be about the Knicks not giving Mikal Bridges enough shots at attacking Tyrese Haliburton’s defense, only the numbers ended up taking me in all kinds of different directions and a very different conclusion. One of the places they took me — and this is weird to say, and I’ve never said it before, but I don’t think it’s ever been true until just now — is that whoever the next Knick coach is, they need to juice this offense into something far more threatening than what we saw this past season.

Which is weird to say, right? The Knicks were fifth in offensive rating. But given their limitations making any meaningful roster moves as a first apron team with no draft capital, this team is likely to orbit around Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. They are always going to be targeted on defense. Neither is going to morph into a plus on that end. So don’t ask them to. Instead, depending what you do with your fifth starter you could have four, even five dudes out there who can all shoot. If you can’t be certain you can stop others, aim to get to where they can’t stop you.

Brown led the Kings to what I’m pretty sure at the time was the best offensive rating in league history in 2022-23. That fell to 13th the following season, but given what Brown’s shown over the years and what the Kings have shown us as an organization, I’ll assume he was less a problem than them. Jenkins managed to steer Memphis to fifth in offensive rating in 2022 and sixth this past season despite his team’s dependence on human mood ring Ja Morant. Nori’s been an assistant the past 16 years; in his four in Minnesota, the Wolves have two top-10 ratings.

The Knicks finished third, seventh and fifth in offensive rating their last three years under Thibs. If they could rise that high with Thibodeau — a coach I loved and admired many things about, his offensive acumen not one of them — one imagines they could hit even higher notes alongside a more offensively-inclined big boss. If they’re going to win with this roster, I think that’s the way they have to lean.

A 3-and-D center, a two-way wing and a legitimate point guard walk into a bar. The Knicks can add one next season. Which should it be?​

20 years ago, I was one of a number of Knick fans who’d somehow come to the conclusion that a point guard on the team named Frank Williams was destined for greatness. He wasn’t, at least not as an NBA player; I’ve no idea where life led FW after. He’s always stayed with me because bench players, especially further-down-the-bench subs and especially “projects” are often the people we see the least and project the most onto. My answer to this question is probably the result of me pulling a Frank Williams again.

I think Kevin McCullar Jr. is a player in this league. No, I will not be taking questions as to why, not at this time. Truth is I haven’t seen enough of him to say anything. Honestly, I sometimes I can’t remember if his last name is McCullar or McCullars. But whether this is projection or having absorbed something I read and forgot in a draft profile a year ago, my brain has settled on “McCullar will eventually take over for Josh Hart, and do all the same things plus be a better shooter.”

Pacôme Dadiet seems to always be a little further ahead than people think possible, so I throw him in with McCullar as players already on the roster who could jump to a bigger role next season, especially if the Knicks’ next coach doesn’t view an 8- or 9- or 10-man rotation as a clown car of excess. Ditto Tyler Kolek, who I hope we see alongside Deuce McBride in what I think could be some very fun backcourts. If Kolek doesn’t hit, this is the age of the scoring point guard; there’ll be someone somewhere willing to come here for a shot at backup minutes in a Knick title run. Spencer Dinwiddie makes more sense than many of us care to admit.

But for me, it’s the center spot that’s missing something critical. Partly that’s because of the nature of the two men manning the pivot. Not since Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell have the Knicks had a more striking case of two players who would combine to be an all-time great, but unfortunately are housed in two distinct beings. You saw it in last year’s playoffs: the Knicks 100% need KAT’s scoring and spacing and they 100% need Mitchell Robinson’s rebounding and defense. Playing them together is often pretty sweet. But their respective weaknesses are magnified against elite teams. I also wonder how much of a Thibs’ tax this team is gonna pay next year.

You know when kids are young, like toddler-age, how when they’re about to launch into an explosive crying fit there’s this booming silence right before it? They’ll open their mouths wide and just hold it, for just as many nanoseconds as it takes for some part of you to think “Maybe they’re not gonna c—” before they pierce your eardrums with their scream. This past season the Knicks were improbably, eerily healthy, despite a season in which three of them were top-five in the NBA in minutes per game and all five starters finished top-20. That’s the baby’s mouth widening and pausing. Ready for the scream?

Towns and Mitch? They’re not ironmen, at least not KAT over the second half of his career; Towns had meniscus surgery in 2024 and seemed to have knee discomfort most of last season. If I told you today the over/under on OG’s games played next year is 62, what would you pick? The organization did make significant additions to the medical and training teams last year. Maybe that makes all the difference. Maybe.

A year ago I was desperate for the Knicks to land Kel’el Ware in the draft. Mitch is an expiring contract this season. For all kinds of reasons, both this year and looking down the line, I think the Knicks need another credible big. If that guy can offer some of what KAT and Robinson do without being targeted defensively every possession or shooting under 60% from the stripe, that’s the dream.

Hi Miranda,​

How do I explain to my mystified fiancee why I get so heartbroken or so happy from the result of a basketball game?​

—JorgiePorgie

Once upon a time, I was engaged. It lasted six years. Most of that time and even a few years after we broke up, I kept a picture of her in my wallet.

We fought a lot. I mean, a LOT. I’ve never fought anyone nearly as much, nor nearly so fiercely. We came from very different backgrounds regarding fighting with loved ones. I didn’t fight mine very often. I wouldn’t even say I’ve ever “fought” a loved one. We don’t insult one another, or try to hurt the other person. Voices may raise, and my chest may boom more than is customary, but that’s it. My fiancee grew up learning that fighting with someone you love was how they proved you were worthwhile to them.

Knowing that, I kept a picture of her when she was 12, maybe 13. Because I wanted to try and remember that no matter who I was looking at or talking to or getting screamed at by now, in the moment, the person behind it all was that young girl. I thought if I could keep the child in mind, the next time we fought I’d think of her instead of the adult in front of me. Maybe she was the one who needed something in that moment. The kid.

The first 10 years I followed the Knicks, they made the playoffs; the first nine, they got at least to the second round, including four trips to the conference finals and two to the NBA Finals. Then, as you know, there was a whole lotta nada. Their return to meaningful playoff basketball has made me aware that when it comes to my fandom, I am and maybe always will be the young child who first fell in love with them.

With every other team I’ve followed in my lifetime, crowning glory has shortly followed. I started watching the Mets in April of 1986, which is why to this day I am the rare Mets fan who always expects them to pull off a miracle. I started following the Rangers pretty closely around the same time as the Knicks, so while I celebrated the end of “1940!” in 1994 along with my dad, I had no understanding of the pain he and older fans had endured.

In 2007 I decided to become a fan of Manchester City in the English Premier League, because as a Mets fan in New York I empathized with them being a pretty blue team in a town dominated by their local rival. City finished ninth that season, their best position in decades. In the blink of an eye they were purchased by Abu Dhabi,, becamebecame one of the richest clubs on the planet and within five years were league champs and rocketing well beyond the reach of the new noisy neighbors in Manchester United.

I followed the Liberty their first five years of existence, then didn’t pay attention to the WNBA until 2-3 years ago. Shortly thereafter, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones come in and last year the team wins its first championship. I’ve always been privileged like that with my sports teams. Except for one.

All throughout the 2021 season, I felt pretty normal as far as my Knick fandom, or at least what can become normal for 20 years. Beginning with that series and intensifying each of the past three years, I have learned that the Knicks are my picture in the wallet. I am still very much the kid I was when I started this relationship with them. With each game, with each round, I am pulled in both directions until all I feel is either agony or ecstasy. When you’re spiritually invested in Charlie Brown finally kicking that football and you’ve watched Lucy trick him for 35 years running, there is no gray area.

I am now older than my father was when the Rangers broke their 54-year curse. The Knicks last won a title 52 years ago. When they upset the Celtics last month, I had tears for only the second time for them (the other when they won the 1999 ECF). If they make the Finals next year and lose, I don’t know if I’ll survive. If they make it and win, I don’t know if I will either.

I would tell your fiancee to find a picture of you at whatever age you were when you started seriously following this team and have her keep it somewhere she sees it enough to help her remember when she sees you bugging or busting after a big Knick game, she’s seeing you through time. And if you truly love someone, you love the them they were before you ever knew them.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...de-why-we-do-we-care-so-much-about-the-knicks

 

[New York Knicks]

2025 NBA Draft Order: Pick order and selection tracker

Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Shara Talia Taylor covers draft night for P&T.

The 2025 NBA Draft Presented by State Farm will start shortly at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

59 players combined will be selected in round 1 today and round 2 tomorrow in the 79th NBA draft. The New York Knicks currently have the 50th pick and a few experts shared what the Knicks might need and the potential outcome.

“They can go for somebody, like a veteran college player, someone who played three to four years that can contribute on the floor immediately,” said New York Post Sports Anchor Dexter Henry. ”I think they could also pick someone overseas and sort of do a ‘draft and stash’ for a later date.”

He felt the Knicks will select a wing, a shooting guard or small forward.

“I tend to think they’ll probably go the route of a veteran college player who can contribute because they need low-cost players to fill out their rotation and they want to play deeper,” Henry said. “I think they want some of the young guys they drafted last year to play this year, but it wouldn’t shock me if they went the route of a veteran college player.”

Last year the Knicks selected forward Pacome Dadiet of Germany’s Ratiopharm Ulm, guard Tyler Kolek of the Marquette University Golden Eagles, guard Kevin McCullar Jr. of the Kansas Jayhawks, and center Ariel Hukporti of Germany’s MHP Riesen. Henry said the Knicks need a little more size.

“6’5 -6’8 range (player) that can descend and shoot,” he said. “I don’t think they need necessarily another big. They could look for a power forward that could stretch the floor too, but I would say bigger wings.”

According to Fanduel.com, the Knicks have a 9 to 1 chance of winning the 2025-2026 NBA championship. The Knicks pick tonight will unlikely affect that number according to Travis S., a professional better. He has worked in the betting industry over the past decade and is a consultant of data analytics for betting companies. He owns the company SwishandKick.com.

“They do not have a first round pick in the draft tonight,” he said about the Knicks. “Their first pick, I believe, is at 50, which they probably will not even make their team. The caveat with the Knicks this year is that they need a bit more depth.”

He referenced the Knicks playing a lot of minutes under Coach Tom Thibodeau, and said if the 50th pick turns out well it could help the team. He said a big trade could adjust their odds to win.

The Dallas Mavericks are scheduled to select first in the NBA draft and are followed by the San Antonio Spurs, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Charlotte Hornets and the Utah Jazz respectively. The Dallas Mavericks are expected to select Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, as the top overall pick. Conversations stirred about the 6’8 forward ahead of the NBA lottery. Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

Even former New York Knicks player Vin Baker, mentioned the uniqueness of Flagg. Baker is now an Assistant Coach for the Milwaukee Bucks and also has a treatment clinic in Milwaukee dedicated to helping people with drug and alcohol addictions recover. He was interviewed in March, during the NCAA basketball tournament and Flag was a topic.

“He looks to be everything that everyone is talking about, 6’9 and can really pass it,” he said about his experience seeing Flag play with Duke in the NCAA tournament. “I was like wow that dude does not belong in college.”

Baker at the time was being interviewed on the retirement of MSG Networks Broadcaster and former Knicks Walt Clyde Frazier for Posting and Toasting, and also about the Knicks/Nets rivalry.

The teams worked together on a significant trade last year, the first trade between the teams since 1983, which resulted in fewer picks for the Knicks this year. Per NBA.com the Knicks received Mikal Bridges for a first round and a second round pick in this year’s draft in addition to players and future picks. There may be a possibility of higher picks depending on trades. More updates to come.

—Shara Talia Taylor

Draft Info​

What: 2025 NBA Draft Round 2

When: Thursday, June 26, 2025 @ 8:00 pm ET

Where: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)

TV: ESPN

Draft Selections​

First Round​

1. Dallas Mavericks — Cooper Flagg, forward, Duke
2. San Antonio Spurs — Dylan Harper, guard, Rutgers,
3. Philadelphia 76ers — VJ Edgecombe. guard, Baylor
4. Charlotte Hornets — Kon Knueppel, guard, Duke
5. Utah Jazz — Ace Bailey, guard, Rutgers
6. Washington Wizards — Tre Johnson, guard, Texas
7. New Orleans Pelicans — Jeremiah Fears, guard, Oklahoma
8. Brooklyn Nets — Egor Demin, guard, BYU
9. Toronto Raptors — Collin Murray-Boyles, forward, South Carolina
10. Phoenix Suns — Khaman Maluach, center, Duke
11. Memphis Grizzlies — Cedric Coward, guard, Washington State
12. Chicago Bulls — Noa Essengue, forward, France
13. New Orleans Pelicans — Derik Queen, center, Maryland
14. San Antonio Spurs — Carter Bryant, forward, Arizona
15. Oklahoma City — Thomas Sorber, forward, Georgetown
16. Portland Trail Blazers — Hansen Yang, center, China
17. Minnesota Timberwolves — Joan Beringer, center, France
18. Utah Jazz — Walter Clayton, guard, Florida
19. Brooklyn Nets — Nolan Traoré, guard, France
20. Miami Heat — Kasparas Jakučionis, guard, Illinois
21. Washington Wizards — Will Riley, forward, Illinois
22. Brooklyn Nets — Drake Powell, guard, North Carolina
23. Atlanta Hawks — Asa Newell, forward, Georgia
24. Sacramento Kings — Nique Clifford, guard, Colorado State
25. Orlando Magic — Jase Richardson, guard, Michigan State
26. Brooklyn Nets — Ben Saraf, guard, Israel
27. Brooklyn Nets — Danny Wolf, center, Michigan
28. Boston Celtics — Hugo González, forward, Spain
29. Charlotte Hornets — Liam McNeeley, wing, UConn
30. LA Clippers — Yanic Konan Niederhauser, center, Penn State

Second Round​

1. Minnesota Timberwolves
2. Boston Celtics
3. Charlotte Hornets
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Philadelphia 76ers
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. Detroit Pistons
8. Indiana Pacers
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Washington Wizards
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Sacramento Kings
13. Washington Wizards
14. Oklahoma City Thunder
15. Chicago Bulls
16. Orlando Magic
17. Milwaukee Bucks
18. Memphis Grizzlies
19. Cleveland Cavaliers
20. New York Knicks
21. LA Clippers
22. Phoenix Suns
23. Utah Jazz
24. Indiana Pacers
25. Los Angeles Lakers
26. New York Knicks (forfeited)
27. Memphis Grizzlies
28. Orlando Magic
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
30. Houston Rockets

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-draft-order-pick-order-and-selection-tracker

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks acquire draft rights to Serbian forward Luka Mitrovic

Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images

New York might or might not bring the Serbian comrade to America after a long career in Europe.

The New York Knicks made an under-the-radar addition on draft night, acquiring the NBA rights to 32-year-old Serbian forward Luka Mitrovic in a second-round pick swap with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Mitrovic was included in the deal that sent the 51st pick to New York—used on French draft-and-stash prospect Mohamed Diawara—while the Clippers moved up to No. 50 to select Kobe Sanders.

The New York Knicks have agreed to trade the draft rights to Kobe Sanders, the No. 50 pick, to the Los Angeles Clippers for the draft rights to Mohamed Diawara, the No. 51 pick and the draft rights to Luka Mitrovic. pic.twitter.com/lLjsNluf9U

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 27, 2025​

The Philadelphia 76ers originally drafted Mitrovic with the No. 60 overall pick in 2015. Since then, Mitrovic’s NBA rights have changed hands three times.

After his draft night, he was sent to Sacramento in a salary dump trade involving Carl Landry and Nik Stauskas, then again to the Clippers in 2023 in a deal for Filip Petrusev.

Despite never appearing in the NBA, Mitrovic has remained active across the pond plying his trade in the EuroLeague and posting career-wide 6.9 points, 3.9 boards, 1.5 dimes, and 0.5 thefts per game.

Most recently, Mitrovic spent the 2024–25 season with Crvena Zvezda, appearing in 47 games across the ABA League and EuroLeague, posting 5.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 per-game averages in the biggest European competition.

Knicks acquire draft rights to Luka Mitrovic, the last pick in the 2015 draft, for trading down from the 50th to 51st pick pic.twitter.com/hEhtRntISm

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 27, 2025​

The 6-foot-9 forward has logged nearly 200 EuroLeague appearances (197) in his career and holds multiple domestic league titles from stints with Brose Bamberg, UCAM Murcia, Baxi Manresa, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Buducnost VOLI.

At this stage, Mitrovic is not expected to join the Knicks—but neither is (or should be) Diawara. That said, this is far from a draft-and-stash move by New York, and one more geared toward cap maneuvering than anything else.

With Mitrovic not actually signed to any sort of contract and NBA franchises just playing around and trading his rights, his non-existent salary doesn’t count against the cap unless the Knicks shock the world and bring him over to Manhattan.

As a final note, it’s worth noting the Knicks' stellar lineup of Euro-Rights, now featuring Mitrovic along with Real Madrid legend Sergio Llull, unheard-of Hugo Besson, mythological wunderkind Rokas Jokubaitis, and current New Zealand Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...draft-rights-to-serbian-forward-luka-mitrovic

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks announce 2025 Vegas Summer League schedule

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

French flavoured basketball.

The New York Knicks are officially set for Summer League action in Las Vegas, and the schedule couldn’t be more hilarious.

The Knicks’ 2025 Summer League slate features four games against their lesser neighbor and the three teams they faced in the playoffs all the way through the Eastern Conference Finals.

summer knicks ball is back pic.twitter.com/kY2QRW4q6d

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 27, 2025​

New York opens play on Friday, July 11, against the Detroit Pistons’ kids at Cox Pavilion. From there, the Knicks stay in the UNLV gym to face the Boston Celtics on Sunday, July 13.

After that, the second half of the schedule will see the Knicks go against Atlantic Division rival Brooklyn and the title-losing Indiana Pacers, who eliminated the Knicks from the playoffs before crumbling in the Finals.

There will be a final game before every youngster packs up for their summer vacation, but the fifth contest will be determined by the results of the first four games, with a championship opportunity on the table depending on the results from that pre-scheduled stint.

The Knicks are expected to use former rookies Ariel Hukporti, Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, and Kevin McCullar Jr., who already contributed to last year’s 3–2 Summer League record.

Joining them will be 2025 second-round pick Mohamed Diawara, a 20-year-old forward from Paris’ Cholet Basket. He will share the floor with Aussie Biwali Bayles, James Nnaji (draft-stash joining from Spain), and uber-phenom Dink Pate, who made history as the youngest American to ever go pro.

Full 2025 Knicks NBA Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Friday, July 11 – NYK @ Detroit Pistons

• Sunday, July 13 – NYK @ Boston Celtics

• Wednesday, July 16 – NYK vs. Brooklyn Nets

• Friday, July 18 – NYK vs. Indiana Pacers

• TBD (July 19–21) – Final game based on seeding

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ks-announce-2025-vegas-summer-league-schedule

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks sign American prodigy UDFA Dink Pate

Photo by Carlos Tischler/Eyepix Group/LightRocket via Getty Images

No! Way! Dink! Pate!

After picking French forward and potential draft-and-stash Mohamed Diawara with the No. 51 pick of the 2025 NBA draft’s second round, the New York Knicks stayed active and signed an absolute phenom in exquisite undrafted guard Dink Pate.

The Knicks have signed Pate to an Exhibit 10 deal, and he’s expected to join the team for Las Vegas Summer League starting July 11.

Pate, barely 19 years old, is a G League product with two years' worth of reps under his belt, having played for both the Ignite in the 2023-24 campaign and then the Mexico City Capitanes last season. Dink also made history as the youngest professional basketball player in U.S. history, surpassing Scoot Henderson by five weeks.

Congrats @IAMTHESHOOTER1, welcome to the @nyknicks pic.twitter.com/TDCCBqSGgq

— Roc Nation Sports (@RocNationSports) June 27, 2025​

Pate, a Dallas native, attended L.G. Pinkston High in West Dallas but skipped his senior year to sign with the G League Ignite in 2023 at age 17, edging out Scoot in turning pro. After Ignite folded, Pate had zero issues joining the Capitanes in CDMX, where he averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 34 games in the 2024–25 season.

“I’ve always kept the main thing the main thing,” Pate told SLAM in December. “Basketball is the main thing.”

The 6-foot-7 guard was once a five-star high school recruit in some services and ended up as the 29th-best prospect of the 2023 HS class in the 247Sports Composite ranks. He fielded hella blue-blood-college offers but opted to take the pro route instead.

In his first G League season, Pate logged 24 minutes per game with averages of 8.0 points and 3.6 assists. The precocious baller participated in the 2024 G League Up Next Game before making an appearance in the 2025 NBA All-Star as part of the Rising Stars tourney.

SLAM

Pate became one of the first athletes to sign with Reebok under Shaquille O’Neal’s and Allen Iverson’s brand revival.

“I’m not worried about my game,” Pate told SLAM. “I’m focused on my leadership, my communication. I’m gonna be that guy on the team. I’m ready to take the blame. I’ve always been a leader to high school kids, but I’m about to be thrown to the fire.

“I’m ready for it.”

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/6/28/24457687/knicks-sign-american-prodigy-udfa-dink-pate

 

[New York Knicks]

LeBron James’ contract decision gives Knicks one last chance at landing him

ESPN

LeBron James opted into his $52.6M deal, with Rich Paul hinting at a possible trade.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James has officially exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, opting in ahead of free agency and removing himself for the open market before Monday’s festivities get going starting at 6 p.m. ET.

LeBron’s decision, however, may be less about staying in Los Angeles and more about keeping the door open for a potential exit depending on how things develop in the next few days and weeks.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James remains “uncertain about the Lakers roster moving forward” and is watching closely to see whether the team makes the right moves to keep him in purple and gold.

Reporting on @SportsCenter -- LeBron James opts in on $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season but is evaluating his Lakers future: pic.twitter.com/ZQWEJLUNqo

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025​

“He wants to compete for a championship next season. And he’s gonna be monitoring very closely, are the Lakers gonna make the moves that puts them in position to seriously compete in that vaunted Western Conference?” — ESPN’s Shams Charania

On Sunday, James’ longtime agent, Rich Paul, reinforced that idea with a carefully worded statement (shocker!) to multiple outlets, including ESPN and The Athletic.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.” — Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul

Those comments and LeBron’s decision follow a dinner outing in New York City where LeBron was overheard in a conversation posted to Sportscenter’s Instagram account in which he’s heard saying, “Savannah wants me to f—ing retire in the next year or so.”

View this post on Instagram​

A post shared by SportsCenter (@sportscenter)​

At age 40, James remains as productive as the best doing it out there. LBJ is coming off putting up 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last season, but the Lakers’ early playoff exit and current roster uncertainty have made his situation more fluid than ever.

LeBron has a no-trade clause in his contract, and by opting in, he was able to retain the right to veto any move, effectively allowing him not only to force a trade but also to pick his next destination by blocking all sorts of deals that don’t please him.

The Knicks, connected to LeBron since he first became a free agent 15 years ago, only to ditch them for South Beach, are back in the rumor mill regarding a potential trade for the King and as a possible landing spot for the GOAT.

James has spoken in the past about his admiration for New York and Madison Square Garden. A 2020 report from Bill Simmons confirmed that the Knicks were LeBron’s first choice in 2010 before their pitch collapsed.

“From everyone I’ve talked to in the know since then, it’s clear that the Knicks were the first choice,” The Ringer’s Bill Simmons said. “It was basically the Knicks’ to lose, and they just couldn’t stay out of their own way. The stories are legendary.”

LeBron James last week in New York

Talking about retiring “in the next year or so“

And what does he say right before that?

pic.twitter.com/4GXWaebL5F

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 29, 2025​

This time around, the Knicks are much better positioned to land LBJ, and it’s not that LeBron doesn’t keep showing love for NYC every time he has a chance.

New York just put together its best season in a quarter century and was just a few plays short of making it all the way to the Finals, only losing to the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.

According to the early 2026 NBA title odds, the Knicks are the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference and potentially face reigning champions the OKC Thunder in next year's finals.

New York also holds key assets that could match salaries in a potential trade for James and satisfy the Lakers trade demands, not only in one single way but two: either by sending Karl-Anthony Towns’ humongous salary straight up to Cali, or building a package centered around OG Anunoby/Mikal Bridges and additional contracts to match up LeBron’s salary.

Whether the Knicks pursue a mid-summer deal or wait for signals from Klutch, the opportunity is at least kinda on the table once again and, perhaps, this is both the right time and the easiest path New York has had to land LeBron and win a championship the city has been waiting for since 1973.

Potential Knicks-Lakers Trade Frameworks​

• One-for-one Karl-Anthony Towns

• OG Anunoby Package

• Mikal Bridges Package

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...n-gives-knicks-one-last-chance-at-landing-him

 

[New York Knicks]

REPORT: Mutual interest between a veteran flame thrower and the Knicks

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Utah bought out Clarkson on Monday

On Monday, the Utah Jazz started the process of buying out veteran shooting guard Jordan Clarkson.

If this news has piqued your interest, we get it. The Flame Thrower (see Basketball-Reference) could provide an electric scoring spark for the New York Knicks’ second unit. In fact, Ian Begley reported that New York will be at the top of Clarkson’s list once he clears waivers–and the interest is mutual.

Knicks are at the top of Jordan Clarkson’s list once he clears waivers, league source says. Knicks currently see Clarkson as a priority signing, as @StevePopper said. New York has the $5M tax payer exception and veteran’s minimum exceptions available to offer Clarskon, who agreed…

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 30, 2025​

Why would the Jazz move on from such a talent? Timing is a factor. The Jazz are shifting fully into a rebuild, prioritizing younger players. A 33-year-old vet like Clarkson no longer fits that timeline. He was the last real holdover from the Donovan Mitchell–Rudy Gobert era, and while he is still a bucket and has a good locker room reputation, his impact had slipped. Injuries didn’t help, either. He played just 37 games last season due to plantar fasciitis, and his efficiency has been trending in the wrong direction.

Utah did try to trade him, but according to reports, no one bit. Teams weren’t eager to pick up an aging guard whose best days might be behind him. With few options on the table and a crop of young guards (Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George, Walter Clayton Jr.) vying for minutes, a buyout made the most sense for both sides.

The Knicks have access to the $5.7 million Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception for the 2025-26 season. They are over the first apron but still about $8-10 million under the second, which limits their flexibility. That means their options are basically the taxpayer MLE and minimum deals. They can use the exception on one player or split it up, but either way, it’s not a big number, and it makes efficient spending all the more important.

I’ll save you the Googling: the list of good players available in the $5.7M range is not long.

Thus, it makes sense that the Knicks would be interested in Clarkson. A former Sixth Man of the Year, Clarkson put up 16.2 points per game last season and shot 36.2% from deep. He’s a proven scorer who can create his own shot—something the Knicks have lacked at times behind Jalen Brunson.

He does exude a certain JR Smith vibe, though, capable of sinking a thrilling buzzer beater one night and a bonehead blunder the next. As for his defense, leave your expectations on the bench: he would be another guard the Knicks will have to hide. He ranked in just the 16th percentile in Defensive EPM last season. And for all the raving about his shooting ability, he’s not the most efficient scorer. Last season, even in a solid year from deep, he only shot 36% from three, and his overall field goal percentage has consistently been below league average.

He’s lost some burst, too. Rim pressure has dropped off, and last season he had his fewest attempts at the rim in three years. Add in the fact that he’s a volume scorer with questionable shot selection, and when he’s not hitting, he can really stink up the joint.

The Knicks’ offense came apart in the playoffs, and it wasn’t just one thing—it was a mix of stagnation, sloppy execution, and poor decisions. The ball stopped moving. Possessions turned into isolation-heavy, hero-ball sets that lacked rhythm or cohesion. That was on full display in the Game 2 loss to Detroit, where the offense looked selfish and undisciplined.

They didn’t share the ball—just 15 assists in some of those key games—and they couldn’t take care of it either. Against Indiana in the Conference Finals, they turned it over 15+ times in five of six games. In Game Six alone, they gave up 34 points off turnovers while scoring just 13 that way themselves.

Their shooting efficiency cratered. The playoff offensive rating dropped more than 10 points from the regular season. They hit only 33% from three and struggled to finish at the rim and on floaters. And when defenses got physical—pushing them off their spots, blowing up actions—the Knicks didn’t adjust. It became one-on-one basketball, and they got out-executed when it mattered most.

Clarkson is comfortable creating his own shot and commanding the troops. New York’s bench would have benefited from those talents and extra floor spacing against the high-flying Pacers. To get over the hump and into the Finals, they’ll need more juice from somewhere.

This list of options may be short, but not completely unpromising. Cole Anthony is being bought out by the Grizzlies. He was part of the trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando in mid-June, but Memphis never planned to keep him long-term. They’re working with his reps to finalize the buyout, which will free him up to sign with any team. Last season in Orlando, Anthony averaged 9.4 points, three rebounds, and three assists over 67 games. He’s a better defender than Clarkson, younger, and has comparable shooting percentages. For the record, there’s been no indication (that I’m aware of) that OAKAAK Greg Anthony’s kid is willing to play for $5.7M. Either player would be preferable to Russell Westbrook. Marc Stein mentioned in his latest report that New York is on the list of possible landing spots for Russ. No, thanks.

What would the addition of Clarkson mean to the other, younger Knicks guards on the bench? Good question. Mile McBride is under contract for the next two years and, although as inconsistent as Clarkson can be on offense, he is a superior defender. Sophomore Tyler Kolek will be looking to earn more minutes this season, and while he is decidedly not the superior defender (or shooter), he is the better playmaker. Would the next coach (Mike Brown? Taylor Jenkins?) rather play the veteran Clarkson, or give the young guys more reps?

If the reports are true, a Clarkson-to-New-York announcement will likely come this week. Clarkson would help solidify the second unit and offer a veteran presence who’s comfortable in big moments. With the team looking to make a deeper playoff run, adding a guy like Clarkson—especially on a value deal after his buyout—could be a low-risk move with real upside. In the right role, he can still help a team. But if his scoring is no longer elite and injuries are becoming an issue, his flaws—especially on defense—start to outweigh the positives.

Go Knicks.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...etween-a-veteran-flame-thrower-and-the-knicks

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks sign backup big Guerschon Yabusele

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

The Frenchman is coming off a comeback season with the Sixers.

It was unlikely for a New York Knicks team that is lacking financial flexibility, coming off of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, and without a head coach, to make any big splashes during the offseason. Regardless, fans hoped that the team would do something to make the summer interesting. In the opening hours of free agency yesterday, that was not the case. Impatient fans grew unreasonably impatient and frustrated at the lack of news.

That feeling has changed massively over the last 12 hours as the Knicks have finally started to move. Late last night, it was reported that Jordan Clarkson intends to sign with New York once he clears waivers on Wednesday. And approaching Noon today, it was reported by Shams Charania of ESPN that free agent center Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the Knicks, the second season coming as player option.

Free agent center Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the New York Knicks, plus a player option, sources tell ESPN. The Knicks negotiated the new deal with agents Olivier Mazet and Richie Felder for the big man on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/gmYODgPkau

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025​

According to SNY's Ian Begley, Yabusele’s decision came down to the Nuggets and Knicks, but the former Sixer (and Celtic) chose New York.

The big man was drafted in 2017 by Boston, but found himself out of the league between 2019 and 2024. After an incredibly strong showing for France at the Olympics, he was signed by the Sixers, and he had a very solid season.

Yabusele shot 40% on ATB 3s on high volume and 69% in the restricted area last season for PHI

The Knicks overall shot 36% on ATB 3s on extremely low volume and just 61% in the restricted area.

Yabusele is also represented by Olivier Mazet, same agent as Diawara and Ntilikina ️ pic.twitter.com/cdtO9M80So

— ShwinnyPooh, Hukporti island resident (@shwinnypooh) June 27, 2025​

In 70 games, Yabusele averaged 11 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, and 0.8 SPG, while shooting 50.1% from the field, and 38% from three. Yabusele has some flaws on defense, and he does still only have one season as a good three-point shooter. But, as noted above, Yabusele shot 40% on three-pointer above the break, and shot 69% in the restricted area- two areas where the Knicks struggled mightily from last season. If he can come close to replicating what he did last season, his unique ability to play alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson makes him a great addition for a Knicks team that badly needed some cheap bench scoring and paint presence.

As things stand now, New York has a rotation that is, at least, nine-man deep with Jalen Brunson, Deuce McBride, Mikal Bridges, Jordan Clarkson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Yabusele, Towns, and Robinson. That is without including Ariel Hukporti, Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, and Kevin McCullar Jr., who could get some more minutes this season as well, depending on how the new Knicks coach decides to use the pieces he'll have at his disposal in New York.

In less than 24 hours, Leon Rose and the Knicks' front office have addressed their need for more shooting, dribbling, and shot creation with the addition of Clarkson and Yabusele. There are still some weaknesses on the roster, but they’ve pivoted rather well given their lack of financial flexibility, while still having the option of filling out their roster with some minimum contracts during the remainder of the offseason.

Welcome to New York, Guerschon!

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/7/1/24459786/knicks-sign-backup-big-guerschon-yabusele

 

[New York Knicks]

From Beam Team to Broadway: Mike Brown Lands Knicks Job

Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

Knicks choose stability over splash in hiring the veteran skipper.

The New York Knicks made it official: Mike Brown is taking over as head coach. The announcement ends weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes maneuvering, including two formal interviews with the veteran coach. Brown steps in for Tom Thibodeau, who guided New York through five seasons and led them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024. Now, the Knicks are betting on a new voice, still grounded in defense, but known for adaptability and roster development.

BREAKING: Knicks have hired Mike Brown as their franchise’s next head coach pic.twitter.com/zjFHyXnXjA

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 2, 2025​

While not the sexiest or most courageous choice, Brown is a respected figure in league circles. He’s known for his defensive acumen and ability to stabilize struggling franchises. Over more than two decades on NBA benches, he’s led teams through turnarounds, helped shape championship defenses, and developed young cores into contenders.

He made his mark in Cleveland, coaching the Cavaliers from 2005 to 2010 and returning briefly in 2013–14. During his first stint, he led the team to its first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and won Coach of the Year in 2009 after a 66-win season. The Cavs made the playoffs every full season under his watch, often advancing past the first round.

In 2011, Brown replaced Phil Jackson with the Lakers, guiding them to the postseason during a lockout-shortened season before being dismissed after a slow start the following year.

His most decorated stretch came as Steve Kerr’s lead assistant with the Warriors from 2016 to 2022. Brown was instrumental in shaping Golden State’s defense and contributed to three championships. In 2017, he stepped in for Kerr during the playoffs and led the team through an undefeated run.

In 2022, he took over in Sacramento and ended the Kings’ 16-year playoff drought—the longest in league history. The team finished 48–34 and returned to the postseason, earning Brown a second Coach of the Year award, this time unanimously. But a rough start to his third season led to his dismissal in December 2024.

Earlier in his career, Brown served as an assistant with the Wizards, Pacers, and Spurs (winning a title with San Antonio in 2003) and coached Nigeria’s national team at the Tokyo Olympics.

With the Knicks, Brown replaces another defense-first coach known for elevating underperforming teams. Both he and Thibodeau are two-time Coach of the Year recipients with playoff success across multiple franchises, but they diverge in philosophy. Brown emphasizes flexibility; Thibodeau, discipline. After the latter’s success in New York, we would be remiss not to compare the two men.

Brown’s teams tend to reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the roster. In Cleveland, he built around LeBron James. In Golden State, he supported a dynasty. In Sacramento, he leaned into offense, unlocking new levels in De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. That adaptability has earned praise, especially with incomplete rosters, though some question whether he consistently gets the most from playoff-caliber teams.

Thibodeau, by contrast, brought a more rigid identity. At every stop (Boston, Chicago, Minnesota, New York) he instilled a defense-first culture built on structure and heavy starter minutes. The Knicks embraced that identity and became one of the league’s toughest defensive units, reaching the conference finals in 2024. But Thibodeau’s approach also drew criticism, particularly around player development and in-game adjustments.

Both coaches found success in different ways. Brown reached the Finals with Cleveland and revitalized the Kings. Thibodeau guided the Bulls to 62 wins, helped elevate Derrick Rose and Jalen Brunson, and brought the Knicks back to relevance. Thibodeau’s playoff résumé is stronger, marked by deeper runs and sustained defensive excellence.

Brown’s Sacramento tenure was a mixed bag. He brought energy back to the franchise, but the team struggled defensively, especially from beyond the arc. His schemes didn’t consistently compensate for roster flaws, and the results didn’t always reflect his reputation for structure.

Offensively, Brown faced criticism for an outdated system. His scheme, particularly in how it used DeMar DeRozan, was seen as rigid. Rather than maximizing DeRozan’s mid-range game and pick-and-roll ability, the offense limited his impact. Sacramento’s low three-point volume only amplified concerns about Brown’s fit in today’s NBA.

His rotation management raised questions too. Brown was criticized for inconsistency (e.g., limiting players like Keon Ellis despite strong potential). His constant adjustments may have disrupted chemistry and undermined continuity.

After earning Coach of the Year in 2023, Brown couldn’t maintain momentum. Sacramento regressed the following season, and a poor start to 2024–25 led to his firing. Supporters point to roster imbalances and front-office decisions, but as in most NBA situations, the head coach absorbed the blame.

Opinions on Brown remain divided. Some see a capable coach hamstrung by circumstance; others cite limitations in his offensive creativity and in-game adjustments. So, his résumé is long and respected, but not without caveats.

One early test in New York will be how Brown handles the team’s promising sophomore class: Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, Kevin McCullar Jr., and Pacome Dadiet. Each offers something unique. Kolek is a poised floor general, Hukporti an athletic rim protector, McCullar a switchable defender, and Dadiet a raw but gifted wing. Brown has a track record of developing young talent within structured systems. Kolek could earn a real role as a second-unit organizer. McCullar and Dadiet may find minutes as defensive role players if they buy in. Hukporti, though still adjusting to the NBA, has the tools to back up Mitchell Robinson.

The Knicks also added veterans Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele. Clarkson, a proven scorer and former Sixth Man of the Year, gives Brown a trusted option for bench offense, which is something he has leaned on in the past. Yabusele, a strong and versatile forward with international experience, adds frontcourt depth and shooting. How Brown balances these additions to the rotation will be one of his first major challenges.

Fortunately, the core is intact. Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson, and Miles McBride form a versatile, battle-tested group. The roster can defend across positions, space the floor, and exploit mismatches. Brown’s job will be managing minutes and sharpening identity without disrupting what already works.

And that’s the real pressure. New York’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season sets a new benchmark. That’s a high bar to match, let alone exceed. Brown inherits a team with momentum, talent, and real expectations, and under an owner who has little patience for regression. With a career record of 455–304 and playoff appearances in seven of nine full seasons, Mike Brown brings enough credibility and experience to suggest that he should be up to the task.

Welcome to New York, Coach!

BREAKING: The Knicks are hiring Mike Brown to be their next head coach pic.twitter.com/xPVTw65DqX

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) July 2, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-team-to-broadway-mike-brown-lands-knicks-job

 

[New York Knicks]

Where the Knicks’ cap situation sits two days into free agency

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Barring a trade, most of the action is behind the Knicks.

NBA free agency is unique.

In the MLB, it’s very rare to see the top players on the market make a decision in the first month of free agency, with several notable cases of players dragging their decisions deep into spring training in February and March.

In the NFL, while a lot of action happens early, many players take the process slowly. In the 2025 free agent class, to name two recent examples, the decisions of Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers dragged out for weeks.

In the NHL, whose free agency runs concurrently with the NBA’s, there’s also a ton of early action, but not serious urgency.

NBA free agency, however, has a reputation for being immediate and a legitimate spectacle. The minute that 6 p.m. strikes on June 30 every year, millions of NBA fans turn on post notifications from Adrian Wojnarowski then, and Shams Charania now. Players usually begin signing in the first few minutes, stars agree to massive deals within hours, and the vast majority of talent available is off the board within two days. Deals aren’t even official until the 6th, and the board looks like this:

Best available NBA free agents:

PG
J. Giddey (R)
C. Paul
M. Brogdon
R. Westbrook
B. Simmons

SG
Q. Grimes (R)
C. Thomas (R)
D. Exum
E. Gordon
D. Melton

SF
A. Coffey
C. Martin
J. Walker
T. Craig
L. Stevens

PF
J. Kuminga (R)
C. Boucher
T. Lyles
P. Achiuwa
B. Bol

C
A. Horford
D.…

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 2, 2025​

Some teams have been super aggressive, while others have been passive. The Knicks, while not super aggressive, seem to have already completed a big chunk of their business. On paper, this could’ve unfolded disastrously.

Several Knicks’ targets signed for more than what the team could’ve offered. Luke Kennard got $11 million for one year, Tyus Jones signed for $7 million, and several dream targets like Caris LeVert and Dennis Schroder, who were anticipated to sign for more but could’ve fallen through, got $14 million per year. The guys signing in the Knicks’ realistic range? Paul Reed and Jake LaRavia. Not great!

But when news came out Monday afternoon of Jordan Clarkson being bought out by the Utah Jazz, the Knicks were immediately linked as a fit. While his erratic play had drawn the ire of Mike Breen in the past, he fills a big need as a ball handler who can provide scoring off the bench. While not official yet, it’s anticipated he clears waivers on Wednesday and signs a veteran minimum with the Knicks.

Jordan Clarkson is expected to sign with the New York Knicks after he clears free agency waivers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/I9PnQFZArw

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025​

Signing Clarkson to a veteran minimum kept the taxpayer mid-level exception open, but it was questionable what the Knicks could manage to afford it, as guys like Tre Mann and Tre Jones inked deals over the TPMLE.

Fortunately for the Knicks, they managed to agree to terms with a guy that fits them perfectly in Guerschon Yabusele, sniping him from Philadelphia on a two-year deal worth just under $12 million.

Free agent center Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the New York Knicks, plus a player option, sources tell ESPN. The Knicks negotiated the new deal with agents Olivier Mazet and Richie Felder for the big man on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/gmYODgPkau

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025​

Yabusele adds size, shooting, and rebounding. He takes Precious Achiuwa’s roster spot and is a tremendous offensive upgrade despite being a worse defender. With his addition, the Knicks had a bonafide nine-man rotation set up that does not include relying on any unproven young players and has a lot of flexibility.

Ultimately, at the surface, the Knicks hit a home run. Yabusele and Clarkson will run a cap hit of just under $8 million in 2025-26, which is less than the cap hits of guys like Sam Merrill, the aforementioned Tre Mann and Tre Jones, Luke Kennard, Brook Lopez, and... Duncan Robinson? Really Detroit?

To get two bonafide rotation players who can not only contribute but be key pieces on a contender with less money to spend than almost everyone is an incredible job by Leon Rose. And, to do it without a head coach (though that may be solved soon)? Incredible work.

Now, what’s next for the Knicks? Well, after a look at SalarySwish, the Knicks don’t have much room left.

SalaySwish counts Dink Pate’s Exhibit-10 contract against the cap, which won’t factor into the current cap calculus. Taking that off, the Knicks figure to have $3.53 million left beneath the second apron, assuming both signings have accurate monetary estimates. While the Knicks probably did not want to encroach on the dreaded second apron, they physically cannot anymore. The signing of Yabusele with the TPMLE officially hard-caps them at the second apron for the second consecutive season.

$3.53 million is technically less than what Clarkson will make in 2025-26, but the NBA sets all vet min cap hits at about $2.3 million to not discourage teams from signing season veterans.

The important number for the Knicks is 14. That’s how many players need to be on the active roster on Opening Night. After their signings, they sit at 12. With two spots to go and not enough room for two vet mins, are they in trouble?

Not precisely. The Knicks may have backed themselves into a corner, but they do have a safety valve in the form of the second-round exception. A new feature in the 2023 CBA, the second round exception, incentivizes teams to ink second-rounders to standard contracts by incentivizing them with smaller cap hits. While Pate cannot be signed with one, the Knicks are able to give them out to No. 51 pick Mohamed Diawara, restricted free agent Kevin McCullar Jr., and Eurostash James Nnaji. A three-year deal for one of those three permits the Knicks to roster them with a Year 1 salary of a measly $1.27 million, just over half of the vet min.

Now, the Knicks could still sign a player to the veteran minimum, but they’d need something unforeseen. Yabusele’s contract is not official until July 6, so the exact terms are unknown and unrevealed. If Yabusele signed to the full TPMLE, the Knicks would not be able to sign another vet min without triggering the hard cap. However, if Yabusele’s 2025-26 salary was about $50,000 less, they’d be able to squeeze one more veteran with a rookie on the second round exception.

The most likely outcome for filling the last two roster spots, however, is through a pair of second-round exceptions. I’m not totally convinced that Diawara will get a standard contract right away, so that leaves McCullar Jr. and Nnaji. Nnaji could provide emergency depth at center with the injuries that are likely to come about with Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Ariel Hukporti. McCullar being tendered a qualifying offer implies that he will be one of the players rostered.

20 PTS 10 REB 10 AST@nyknicks Two-Way signee Kevin McCullar Jr. posted his first career TRIPLE-DOUBLE in the @wcknicks win over the Skyhawks! pic.twitter.com/1TAAMv6Q8i

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) March 20, 2025​

Going this path would give the Knicks flexibility as the season begins. It would leave them with about $1.08 million in space below the hard cap. Like last season, the Knicks would be able to add a 15th player to their roster midseason, but would be able to sign him as early as January 15th, firmly before the buyout market begins.

There’s also the possibility of a trade to open up more flexibility to add more veteran depth, but the Knicks would not be able to sign any player for over the vet min, so it would not be worth it for the sake of current flexibility. However, if certain players don’t extend, they might make a move for future flexibility.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...o-days-into-free-agency-nba-yabusele-clarkson