The Knicks plan to signal free agent ahead Chuma Okeke, sources inform Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter hyperlink).
Okeke, who performed a few faculty seasons at Auburn, was the sixteenth total decide of the 2019 draft. He has spent the previous 5 years with the Magic, holding profession averages of 6.3 factors, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 189 common season video games, together with 55 begins (20.3 minutes per contest). He posted a .383/.318/.789 taking pictures line over that span.
Okeke had an uncommon begin to his skilled profession, as he didn’t signal his rookie scale contract till 2020, a 12 months after he was drafted, resulting from a torn ACL. That meant he hit free company a 12 months later than his 2019 first-round draft classmates as properly. He turned an unrestricted free agent when Orlando selected not to present him a $7.4MM qualifying supply.
Recognized primarily for his wonderful work on the defensive finish, Okeke has sadly battled accidents since he turned professional, taking part in between 27-47 video games in three of his 4 lively seasons. He was not a rotation common in 2023/24 for Orlando, averaging a career-low 9.2 minutes per contest.
Whereas the phrases of the contract weren’t disclosed, it appears possible be a one-year, minimum-salary deal, maybe with a partial assure. The Knicks presently have 14 gamers on customary contracts, so Okeke could possibly be battling for a possible fifteenth spot in coaching camp, assuming the group decides to hold a full roster.
