The New York Knicks’ training camp roster is 21, the maximum allowed under league rules. Still, the Knicks could add another player. They have 14 players on standard contracts and about $6.6 million to spend.
NBA Rumors: New York Knicks Linked to Taj Gibson and Ryan Arciadiacono
New York has some flexibility. DaQuan Jeffries and Isaiah Roby have deals that become guaranteed on January 10. Meanwhile, Evan Fournier is unlikely to play for the Knicks this year. While the 30-year-old wing played well for France in the 2023 World Cup, he struggled defensively, and coach Tom Thibodeau yanked him from the Knicks’ rotation last year.
Fournier led France with 13.8 points, tallying 17 or more in all three first-round contests. He shot 42.9% from the field and 32.4% from the three-point line on 2.2 treys a game in five total appearances.
New York is hard capped at the league’s first tax apron, meaning they cannot have more than $172.34 million of player salaries on the board at any time during the season. So, who could the Knicks pursue?
New York Knicks Training Camp Roster
PG- Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Miles McBride, Duane Washington Jr.
SG- RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, DaQuan Jeffries, Obadiah Noel
SF- Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Evan Fournier, Dylan Windler, Jacob Toppin
PF – Julius Randle, Jericho Sims, Isaiah Roby, Nathan Knight, Jaylen Martin
C- Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Dmytro Skapintsev
Two-way players: Windler, Martin, Keels, and Knight
Training camp invitees: Washington Jr., Noel (Exhibit 10), Toppin (Exhibit 10), Skaptinsev (Exhibit 10)
New York has a solid nine players, with the power forward spot being the weak link behind Randle. However, Ian Begley of SNY says the Knicks want Hart to see more time at the four. That would mean Fournier, Sims, or McBride getting some end-of-the-rotation run unless the Knicks make a move via a trade or free agency.
Will the Knicks Add Another Player Before Training Camp?
“If I had to guess, I don’t think they’re planning to add a rotation player with that open roster spot,” Begley wrote. “Prior to the 2023 FIBA World Cup, some strategists in the organization felt very comfortable with Hart playing power forward in the second unit and thriving as a screener/short roller in that unit.”
“The support for Hart at backup power forward indicates that New York isn’t looking for a rotation player at the position with their open roster spot. Maybe they add another veteran with that spot? Taj Gibson and Ryan Arcidiacono will at least get consideration if New York wants to add someone with a good impact on team culture.”
Gibson has been a favorite of Thibodeau’s for years. The 38-year-old, who played for the Knicks from 2019-22, averaged 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field in 49 appearances for the Washington Wizards. Gibson also played for Thibodeau with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Arcidiacono was with the Knicks for parts of two seasons before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the deal that brought Hart to New York. So, the 29-year-old point guard and the Knicks are familiar with each other.
Arcidiacono has made 237 career NBA appearances and hasn’t seen much action in the past few years. He played in just 21 games for the Knicks (2021-23), averaging less than five minutes a contest. But Arcidiacono can knock down open looks from beyond the arc and is an excellent ball-handler and playmaker.
Analysis
My guess is the Knicks will head into training camp with their current roster. The Knicks will likely carry more than 14 players on their opening day. But if they have a full complement of players, it wouldn’t surprise me if they kept one of them on a training camp deal (non-guaranteed). Washington, who can light up a scoreboard, would be the obvious choice if he plays well in camp. Toppin may receive some consideration if Fournier is banished (but still on the roster).
With teams being able to carry three players on two-way contracts, it makes no sense to have a player who will never play, particularly given the new salary cap restrictions.
