A four team trade meant to help Cleveland chase after Peyton Watson ended up creating a side effect nobody in Washington or Denver much cared about. But somewhere in Manhattan, it might matter a lot.
The Knicks have spent all summer searching for one more body to throw behind Karl-Anthony Towns. That search just got a little easier, and it did not cost New York a single asset.
The Trade That Could Help the Knicks’ Center Search
GettyJulian Reese
As part of the multi team trade, the Nuggets landed two way player Julian Reese, the younger brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, but plan to waive him, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Cavaliers sent Tre Mann, a 2027 second round pick from the Clippers, and cash to Washington for Cam Whitmore, and the Wizards then routed Reese to Denver, who will waive him off his two way deal.
Reese was never the centerpiece of any of this. He was just the guy nobody wanted to keep once the paperwork settled. Over six weeks into free agency, New York is still without a third string center, and it looks like the front office plans on settling that spot with a training camp battle rather than a signing.
That gap in New York’s frontcourt is exactly why this waiving is worth watching. The 23 year old will now become an unrestricted free agent, and he could draw interest from teams needing frontcourt depth after his showings last season in Washington.
His rookie stretch was short but loud. Across 13 games with the Wizards, Reese averaged 11.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals per outing. He also tied Shaquille O’Neal for the fastest path to 100 career rebounds since 1992, a mark that had stood for more than three decades.
Why the Knicks Should Take a Look
GettyMike Brown and Karl-Anthony Towns
That kind of production is exactly why New York should be paying attention. Mitchell Robinson’s departure to Boston closed an important chapter for the franchise, taking away the interior defender who quietly became one of the most valuable pieces of Mike Brown’s system.
Rather than spending big on another proven veteran, the Knicks signed Andre Drummond to a one year, $3.9 million deal instead. He brings real rebounding and some continuity with what Robinson used to provide, but the Knicks are still thinnest at the rim behind Towns.
A camp battle for that third spot was already expected. Reese is undersized for the position at six foot nine, and his game leans heavily on hustle rather than shooting range, but a non guaranteed camp invite would carry almost no risk for either side.
If New York brings him in, he would not be handed minutes over Towns or Drummond. Behind a champion, that was never realistic anyway. What he would offer is a low cost swing at rebounding depth the roster still needs.
Training camp opens in a matter of weeks, and Reese’s market will move fast either way. Whether New York calls first will say plenty about how seriously they take that third center spot.
Knicks’ Center Search Could Get a Surprise Boost From a Major Trade