The New York Knicks have made a series of moves in an effort to win a championship. In fact, quite a few of them fall in the blockbuster category. That being said, their latest transaction may go under the radar.
According to ESPN senior insider Shams Charania, the Knicks are converting center Ariel Hukporti’s two-way contract to a standard two-year contract. The 2024 No. 58 pick, Hukporti has only played 29 total minutes with New York this season. However, in that time, he’s already proven himself to be a fearsome rim-protector.
The New York Knicks and two-way center Ariel Hukporti have agreed on a standard two-year NBA contract, sources tell ESPN. The new deal for Hukporti includes a team option in 2025-26 season. The 7-footer out of Germany has served as a viable big man in Knicks frontcourt. pic.twitter.com/0EQGoqp4Zx
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 4, 2024
As a reminder, Mitchell Robinson isn’t expected to be return from injury until the next calendar year, potentially in January. Consequently, the next two months will be pretty significant for both the rookie and his team. The hulking Hukporti, who is listed at 7-foot-0 and 246 pounds, could play a significant role while the Knicks await Robinson’s return.
New York still has solid depth at center without Robinson. Karl-Anthony Towns, who the Knicks acquired shortly before the season began, has been a game-changer as a 7-foot-0 stretch-five. Jericho Sims is a traditional center at 6-foot-10 and 245 pounds, averaging 13.8 minutes per game. They simply protect the paint better with Hukporti, who’s averaging an eye-popping 5.0 blocks per 36 minutes.
It’s Not Just About Him
Promoting Hukporti to the standard 15-man roster has a few other benefits.
They now have an open two-way spot, which they might use to sign one of the younger free agents. At this point in time, the Knicks’ biggest weaknesses are rebounding and rim-protection, so they may even sign another big man. Adding another center who can stretch the floor, like Chimezie Metu or Omer Yurtseven, could also be in the cards.
Hukporti also gives the team extra insurance if they move one of their current bigs, be it Robinson, Sims, or even Precious Achiuwa.
In fact, if the Knicks believe that Towns is their center of the future, Robinson could be the odd man out. He’s generally been more effective than New York’s other bigs, sans Towns. However, that may not work in the Knicks’ favor, as he’ll become a free agent in 2026. As they’re already footing a high bill, retaining Robinson on a lucrative deal may be an untenable situation.
