Getty Joel Embiid (left) of the Philadelphia 76ers scuffles with Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The New York Knicks quietly signed former Minnesota Timberwolves big man Nathan Knight to a two-way deal amid rumors that Joel Embiid could wind up in New York if he were to seek a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Anil Gogna, director of strategy at Thread Sports Management and cap specialist at No Trade Clause, was the first to report Knight’s signing, which was later confirmed by Knicks beat reporters Stefan Bondy (Daily News) and Ian Begley (SNY).
The 6-foot-10 Knight averaged 3.7 points and 1.5 rebounds in 7.7 minutes across 38 games last season with the Timberwolves. But in 10 games in which he played more than 10 minutes, he put up 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals.
Nate Knight’s a Knick
According to reports, 6’10” PF/C Nathan Knight signs a 2-way w/ NY
25-year-old Syracuse native who spent the past 2 seasons with Minnesota/Iowa
2022-23:
38 NBA games
7.7 minutes per game
3.7 points
57% FG
36% three
1.5 rebounds
The Syracuse, New York, native went undrafted in 2020, but he signed consecutive two-way deals with the Atlanta Hawks and the Timberwolves. Last season, the Timberwolves signed him to a standard NBA contract.
The 253-pound big man can play both center and power forward. He is expected to play more with the Westchester Knicks in the G League along with undrafted rookie Jaylen Martin, who is also on a two-way deal.
Two-way players are allowed to be on the NBA team’s active list for a maximum of 50 games, making Knight insurance depth for the Knicks, who traded away backup forward Obi Toppin.
Knight’s signing leaves the Knicks with one two-way slot left.
Joel Embiid-to-the-Knicks Hype Train Is Humming
Add ESPN’s Dave McMenamin to a long list of reporters who have linked the Knicks as a potential destination for Embiid should he demand a trade out of Philadelphia.
“I mean, line up the Acela Express and get sent him up to New York [Knicks],” McMenamin said on the July 17 episode of “The Lowe Post” podcast with Zach Lowe. “That’s been what has been the murmurs. … We’ve all heard New York. We know the connection between Leon Rose and Joel Embiid.”
Embiid caused a stir after a comment he made about his future on July 13 came to light.
“I just want to win a championship, whatever it takes,” Embiid said in an interview with SpringHill Entertainment CEO Maverick Carter at the Uninterrupted Film Festival in Los Angeles. “I don’t know where that’s going to be — whether in Philly or anywhere else — I just want to have a chance to accomplish that. I want to see what it feels like to win that first one, and then you think about the next one. It’s not easy. It takes more than one, two, three guys. You got to have good people around you. Every single day, I work hard to be at that level so I can produce and make it happen. Every single day I’m working towards that goal.”
Knicks Odds-on Favorite to Land Joel Embiid
The Knicks have been installed as the odds-on favorites to land Joel Embiid if he’s traded.
Joel Embiid Next Team (if not PHI)
New York Knicks +200
Brooklyn Nets +250
Dallas Mavericks +350
New Orleans Pelicans +450
Miami Heat +550
Los Angeles Lakers +650
Utah Jazz +850
Oklahoma City Thunder +1000
If Philadelphia fails to replace James Harden, who demanded a trade, with another All-Star, Embiid might be the next to go, likely signaling a Sixers rebuild. And the Knicks have eight tradable picks and a mix of young players and Evan Fournier’s contract as salary ballast.