The Knicks take Kristaps Porzingis (l.) with the fourth overall pick in the draft and trade up to take Notre Dame Guard Jerian Grant at No. 19. Grant is expected to make just over $1 million and he could be an option to contribute sooner than Porzingis. Porzingis had played professionally for Cajasol Seville in Spain over the past three seasons.
Advertisement
While terms of the deal were not listed in the release, RealGM.com lists the two-year salary for the fourth overall pick in the draft as approximately $7 million. The 19-year-old player averaged 10.5 points in four games during the Las Vegas Summer League this month. He showed he needs work on his rebounding and his strength posting up. Amundson averaged six points and six boards in 41 games after signing with the Knicks last January. The Knicks are trying to put on least 10 pounds on his 230-pound frame by the October 1 start of training camp.
Begley writes that the Knicks still have a $2.8 million exception to use on a veteran free agent and a deal could come ahead of camp for the team. The Knicks are hoping both Porzingis and Grant can contribute this season, but the team realizes it’s unlikely they will be full rotation players right away.
At the summer league, Grant averaged 11.8 points and 4.8 assists in five games and attacked the rim at will. But Grant was a little wild with his turnovers and didn’t show the dead-eye outside shooting he displayed at the college range.
As reported, the Knicks have shown interest in Kevin Seraphin and Carlos Boozer.
Grant, a guard, was the 19th overall selection in the draft by the Hawks and then was dealt to the Knicks.
Advertisement
The Knicks have room for a couple more players and Ian Begley at ESPN New York reports that Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Ricky Ledo are “under consideration” for spots this year.
