Typically, receiving a batch of Exhibit 9 contracts isn’t headline-worthy news, as these non-guaranteed training camp agreements are generally handed out to several players each preseason. However, for the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks, these deals carry extra weight. On Wednesday, the Knicks signed five players to such contracts: Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown, James Wiseman, John Konchar, and Drew Eubanks. Currently, the Knicks have 13 guaranteed players signed for the next season and just over $3 million in salary cap space below the second apron, essentially allowing them to add only one more player before the start of the season. These five signees will vie for that final roster spot.
This battle holds great significance, reminiscent of last year when the Knicks brought in Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon, and Garrison Mathews under similar cap constraints. Shamet emerged as a crucial part of New York’s championship run and subsequently earned a four-year contract extension. While the Knicks hope to replicate that outcome with this year’s group, the chances are slim. Players battling for the last spot rarely see enough playing time to make a significant impact, especially those initially signed to camp deals. Finding another Shamet is a rare occurrence.
Still, these moves fit into a broader offseason strategy for a Knicks team that currently appears somewhat unfinished. In an effort to stay under the second apron, the Knicks lost key backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics. Although Andre Drummond was brought in as a nominal replacement, he is considered a downgrade. The Knicks have openly sought another big man, unsuccessfully attempting to trade for Yves Missi from the New Orleans Pelicans and making an offer sheet to restricted free agent Moussa Cissé from the Dallas Mavericks, which Dallas matched.
Among the five Exhibit 9 signees, veterans Drew Eubanks and James Wiseman (the 2020 No. 2 overall draft pick) are gambles at the center position. Eubanks saw limited minutes with the Sacramento Kings last season, while Wiseman has been restricted to just five games in two years due to an Achilles injury, though his draft status suggests potential. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely either will play a major role in the Knicks’ playoff rotation. If the Knicks aim to add a true playoff-caliber center, it will probably come through a trade.
That’s where wing players Bruce Brown, John Konchar, and Ochai Agbaji come into the picture. Rather than filling all camp spots with big men, the Knicks diversified by signing three wings despite having a surplus of perimeter players. Last season’s role players Shamet, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, and Miles McBride all seem secure in their positions, and younger wings Mohamed Diawara and Tyler Kolek proved they are ready for expanded roles. This surplus creates potential trade assets, especially if any of the Exhibit 9 signees impress.
A likely trade candidate is McBride, who is entering the final year of a very affordable contract worth just under $4 million. His salary could triple when he becomes a free agent next summer, so the Knicks have yet to offer an extension. Staying below the second apron and managing contracts for stars like Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart could limit their ability to retain McBride, making him a reasonable piece in a future trade to acquire another big man.
The Knicks have few options due to their financial limitations but could target a center on a rookie deal or a modestly paid veteran. With McBride available as a trade chip and their 2033 first-round pick now tradable, they hold valuable assets to pursue such a player if the opportunity arises. While no standout centers are currently available, the Knicks will be poised to act if circumstances change, such as renewed talks with the Pelicans or another team’s shifting priorities.
None of the five new signees are likely to drastically impact the Knicks’ title defense. Wiseman and Agbaji carry some upside based on their draft backgrounds, and Brown has championship experience with the 2023 Denver Nuggets, though that team chose not to re-sign him. Eubanks is a journeyman, and Konchar appears to have fallen out of favor elsewhere. Their availability just before camp underscores why they were unsigned earlier.
Ultimately, the Knicks excel at finding value in unlikely places. Last year’s Shamet signing was a perfect example. Whether it happens directly or indirectly, one of this year’s new signees could help cover the loss of size after Robinson’s departure and provide the Knicks with the depth needed to defend their championship successfully.
Fan Take: This development is crucial because it highlights how championship teams constantly adapt, scouting for hidden gems who can provide key contributions. For basketball fans, it underscores the excitement and uncertainty of roster battles, reminding us that a single overlooked signing can turn into the next big story in a team’s quest for glory.
Source: www.cbssports.com
