The New York Knicks have signed rookies Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant to contracts and the team also officially brought back Lou Amundson to the roster and this comes as the team could target Kevin Seraphin, JaVale McGee or Greg Stiemsma as free agent options for depth on the roster, as the team still has an exception to use on a veteran player.
The Knicks have made some solid improvements this offseason by signing players in free agency and now Phil Jackson has brought in his top two rookies. The Knicks are hoping both Porzingis and Grant can contribute this season, but the team realizes it's unlikely they will be full rotation players right away. According to Knicks.com, the team signed Porzingis to a four year deal worth just over $18 million, while Grants is signed to a deal at four years and $6.3 million.
Ian Begley at ESPN reports that the deal for Porzingis has the final two years not guaranteed, while he will make $4 million as a rookie. Grant is expected to make just over $1 million and he could be an option to contribute sooner than Porzingis. Grant has a lot of experience in his time at Notre Dame and he also said that he is ready to take on the triangle. The deals for the rookies have team options and the Knicks are expecting both players to come into camp ready to battle for playing time.
Begley writes that the Knicks still have a $2.8 million exception to use on a veteran free agent and a deal could come ahead of camp for the team. The Knicks have been interested in adding another front court player, as they could use another backup center with Cole Aldrich leaving for the Clippers. Begley mentions players like McGee, Kevin Seraphin and Justin Hamilton as players that are available. The Knicks reportedly have interest in Seraphin, according to Michael Scotto at Sheridan Hoops, while the Lakers, Wizards and Bulls also could be fits.
Seraphin comes in after averaging 6.6 points and 3.6 rebounds last season for the Wizards and the team could be interested in bringing him back. The Knicks may look at adding Seraphin as a backup option for Lopez and the team also could consider some of their own players coming into the summer league for spots on the roster. Alex Kirk played well for the team and could get looked at for a spot.
The Knicks have room for a couple more players and Ian Begley at ESPN New York reports that Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Ricky Ledo are "under consideration" for spots this year. The team has signed Grant and Porzingis to their rookie deals and now that takes up a couple more spots. Jackson may look at making a deal with Jose Calderon this season if Grant plays well, as Ledo could be an option to make the roster at point guard. Langston Galloway and Arron Afflalo both can handle playing some point guard and that could give Jackson some flexibility.
Check here for more on the Knicks signing the rookies and more on their free agent interest in Seraphin.
