Knicks Add Five on Camp Deals, Explore Center Trades
Knicks Add Five on Camp Deals, Explore Center Trades
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Key Points
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An Exhibit 9 contract becomes a standard one-year minimum deal if the player makes the opening-night roster, can be guaranteed before the league-wide Jan. 10 deadline and provides a $15,000 injury payment if the player is released because of an injury.
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James Wiseman, 25, averaged just 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in four games for Indiana last season and has played sparingly since tearing his Achilles in November 2024.
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New York’s final-roster competition echoes last season’s camp battle involving Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon and Garrison Matthews; after Brogdon’s retirement, Shamet won the spot and became an important contributor during the Knicks’ championship run.
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Training camp is scheduled to begin on Sept. 28, giving the five veterans a defined period to compete for the roster opening.
The New York Knicks signed five veterans to non-guaranteed training camp deals on September 16, creating an intense roster battle for effectively one available spot. The New York Times reports the five players—James Wiseman, Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, John Konchar, and Drew Eubanks—will compete in what mirrors last season's successful camp fight that produced championship contributor Landry Shamet. The team has just $3.2 million of cap room beneath the hard second apron, leaving little flexibility for guaranteed deals.
Mitchell Robinson's departure to Boston created a frontcourt void, forcing the Knicks to explore trades for centers like New Orleans' Yves Missi and Charlotte's Moussa Diabaté while simultaneously hunting for camp gems. Fadeaway World notes the team is willing to move guard Miles McBride in a trade to land a true long-term center, though the five camp signings provide a lower-risk alternative path.
Bruce Brown Brings Championship Pedigree From Denver
Bruce Brown played all 82 regular-season games for the Denver Nuggets last season, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. Hoops Rumors highlights that the guard-forward combination brings proven playoff experience from Denver's 2023 championship squad. His full-season availability and championship resume make him an immediate contender for the final roster spot.
Wiseman Seeks Career Resurrection After Achilles Injury
James Wiseman, the former No. 2 overall pick, is fighting to revive his career after a torn Achilles tendon in November 2024 severely limited his playing time. theScore reports the 25-year-old center averaged just 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in four games for Indiana last season. Wiseman's physical tools remain elite, but he must prove durability and production depth during the September 28 training camp start to earn a roster spot.
How a Camp Battle Won Last Season's Championship Spot
The Knicks replicate a winning formula from their championship run. Hoops Rumors notes that Landry Shamet defeated Malcolm Brogdon and Garrison Matthews in a similar camp battle last year. Shamet earned the final roster spot and became essential to New York's playoff rotation before signing a four-year contract extension. Sports Illustrated observes this strategy allows the front office to avoid guarantees while still building roster depth from low-risk veteran signings.
Trade Options Remain Active Despite Camp Moves
Heavy Sports reports the Knicks continue exploring trades for young frontcourt talent, with Yves Missi and Moussa Diabaté as primary targets. The team's primary trade asset is Miles McBride, whose bargain salary and solid production make him an attractive chip for opposing teams seeking perimeter help. Unless New York executes a trade, four of the five Exhibit 9 signings will be waived before opening night, leaving one camp winner to step directly into championship-defending rotation minutes.
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