In a surprising roster move, the New York Knicks have re-signed a player they previously waived following their blockbuster trade for Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT), bringing him back on a training camp deal. The decision comes as part of the Knicks’ efforts to solidify their roster and evaluate depth options as they gear up for the 2024-2025 NBA season.
The waived player, whose identity may have caught fans off guard, had been let go in the aftermath of the Knicks’ high-profile trade to acquire Towns, a franchise-altering move aimed at bolstering their frontcourt. Towns, an All-Star center, was seen as the missing piece to pair alongside Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, giving the Knicks a formidable core to compete in the Eastern Conference. In making room for Towns, the team had to make tough decisions on the roster, leading to the original waiving of the player now being brought back for training camp.
This re-signing indicates that the Knicks see potential in the player despite cutting him after the trade. It’s common in the NBA for teams to re-sign players to non-guaranteed training camp deals, which allows them to assess their skills in a competitive setting before finalizing the roster for the regular season. The player in question likely impressed the coaching staff during his previous stint with the team or had certain qualities—such as defensive versatility, shooting, or experience—that the Knicks believe could be valuable in certain matchups.
Training camp deals are often short-term contracts, giving the player a chance to compete for a roster spot or a two-way contract, which allows players to split time between the NBA and the G League. For the Knicks, bringing the player back provides flexibility and depth, especially in case of injuries or if certain young players don’t progress as expected during camp.
For the player, this training camp deal represents an opportunity to prove his worth, not just to the Knicks but potentially to other teams around the league. With the NBA season approaching and roster spots at a premium, he’ll look to make a strong impression in camp to secure a place in the Knicks’ rotation or, at the very least, catch the attention of other teams.
As the Knicks continue to fine-tune their roster around Towns, Brunson, and Randle, the re-signing of a previously waived player highlights their focus on maximizing their depth and exploring all options. Whether this player ends up making the final roster remains to be seen, but his return for training camp shows the team is leaving no stone unturned as they aim to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.