Breaking: Knicks sign a former first-round pick in a blockbuster deal to bolster their frontcourt.
The peripheral members of the New York Knicks are growing.
On Thursday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype announced that Chuma Okeke, a forward, and the Knicks had reached an agreement. The Orlando Magic had been the home team of the 25-year-old Okeke for the previous four seasons.
Okeke had his greatest season in 2020–21, when he averaged 8.6 points and 5.0 rebounds in 25.0 minutes per game for the Magic. He was a first-round choice in 2019 (No. 16 overall). Since then, Okeke’s playing time has gradually decreased, but as a 6-foot-7 wing, he plays with strong energy and can also be an effective spot-up shooter.
The Knicks may use Okeke as their backup four behind Julius Randle after re-signing fellow frontcourt player Precious Achiuwa earlier this week. Despite being a little taller than Josh Hart (6 feet 4), Okeke ought to be useful in small-ball combinations. However, the Knicks likely still need a seven-footer, which they may get via trade. They lost center Isaiah Hartenstein to free agency.
