From CBS Sports · · 2m
Knicks hunt for final roster spot gold
New York signed five players to non-guaranteed deals, hoping one becomes the next Landry Shamet.
In brief
New York signed five players to non-guaranteed deals, hoping one becomes the next Landry Shamet. The Knicks are using their final roster spot to find depth at center and wings, with potential trade chips if a camp signing pans out. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Five camp deals for one spot
The Knicks signed Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown, James Wiseman, John Konchar and Drew Eubanks to non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contracts. They have just over three million dollars in cap space for one final roster addition.
Last year's gamble paid off
The Knicks brought in Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon and Garrison Mathews for their final spot last year. Shamet became essential to their championship run and re-signed on a four-year deal.
Long odds on camp signings
Players fighting for final roster spots rarely get enough minutes to make an impact. Even if they do, there's no guarantee they'll capitalize on the opportunity. These are low-odds signings.
Robinson loss leaves a gap
The Knicks lost backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics while ducking the second apron. Andre Drummond replaced him, but it's a clear downgrade.
Failed center pursuits
New York tried to trade for Yves Missi of the Pelicans and made a restricted free agent offer to Moussa Cissé of the Mavericks. Dallas matched the offer, and the Knicks moved on.
Wings as trade ammunition
The Knicks signed three wings despite having perimeter depth. If one pans out, they can trade from their surplus to acquire a playoff-caliber center at the deadline.
McBride as the trade chip
Miles McBride is in the final year of his four-million-dollar contract and could triple that as a free agent next summer. He's a realistic trade option if the Knicks pursue a big man.
Limited but real trade assets
With McBride on the table and their 2033 first-round pick now tradable, the Knicks have ammunition to target a center on a rookie deal or underpaid veteran if one becomes available.
Maximizing the margins
The Knicks excel at squeezing value from depth signings. One of these five players could help replace the size lost when Mitchell Robinson left, either directly or by enabling a trade.
What it means
The Knicks are using their final roster spot to find depth at center and wings, with potential trade chips if a camp signing pans out.
