The NY Knicks may still target Maurice Ndour down the line if the Dallas Mavericks cut the forward in training camp, as New York tried to make an effort to keep their Summer League player after he signed a free agent deal with the Mavs and this comes as Phil Jackson could consider Darion Atkins, Wesley Saunders, Alex Kirk, Ricky Ledo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo for roster spots.
The Knicks were interested in keeping Ndour coming out of the summer league, as he played well for the team in Las Vegas. According to the New York Post, the Knicks made an effort to get Ndour to come back to the Knicks after reaching a verbal agreement with the Mavericks. The Post reports that the Knicks could not get Ndour to break his agreement with the Mavs, but Ndour previously made it clear that he would "welcome a return" to NY if things do not work out with the Mavs.
The Knicks have been working to finish off their roster and they have brought in a number of players that could compete for one of the final roster spots. The team has reportedly been interested in signing a free agent to add some depth behind Kristaps Porzingis and Robin Lopez and players like Justin Hamilton, Greg Stiemsma, JaVale McGee, Glen Davis and Reggie Evans are options. The Knicks also could consider adding a player like Kirk if they feel that a free agent is not worth it at this point. The Knicks have a solid group at forward, but with Cole Aldrich going to the Clippers, the team may want to add another center.
The Post report says that the main reason Ndour went to the Mavs was due to the fact that he got a fully guaranteed deal, while the Knicks "offered Ndour less than a $200,000 guarantee and wouldn't budge." Ndour was solid this summer, showing good play on the defensive side of the court and averaging 9.6 points and 4.8 rebounds a game for the Knicks.
The Knicks have continued to sign players this offseason that could be roster options or that could end up in the D-League, as Pro Basketball Talk reports that the team has added Wesley Saunders and Darion Atkins. The Knicks reportedly will consider those players along with Ledo and the Greek freak for roster spots. The team likely will not add on Saunders, as they are fairly deep at guard, but with Ndour out, Pro Basketball Talk writes that Atkins, who is a forward, could be an option.
PBT reports that both players could be considered for a roster spot, as they have a few left heading into camp, but they also likely will use the $2.8 million exception on a veteran player for one of those. The Knicks have made some major improvements this offseason, adding Robin Lopez, Derrick Williams and Arron Afflalo on contracts and now Jackson is finishing off the roster for training camp. Langston Galloway is going to be on the roster with his partially guaranteed contract and the team also could look at adding another player, as they have an exception to use on a veteran.
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