Knicks Eyeing TJ Warren, Others For Open Roster Spot

For the first time this season, the Knicks are in position to sign a 15th player to their roster.

That’s because New York has been operating under a restrictive hard cap since acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns in October, leaving it with just $540,127 in available cap space.

A veteran free agent signing on a rest-of-season minimum salary would carry a cap hit of $539,876, a mere $251 below their available space.

Ahead of Friday’s win over the Grizzlies, the Knicks received a significant boost as center Mitchell Robinson was cleared to return to action after recovering from ankle surgery. But the Knicks opted not to make a free agent addition, leaving the 15th roster spot still vacant as they weigh their options.

According to Ian Begley of SNY.tv, players including center Moses Brown, forward T.J. Warren, and forward Chuma Okeke are among the candidates the Knicks are considering for the final roster spot.

Both Warren and Okeke have been strong contributors for the Westchester Knicks, the team’s G League affiliate.

Warren has averaged 24.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game on .492/.359/.836 shooting in 30 games, while Okeke has posted 17.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game with a .457/.365/.706 shooting line. Both players were in training camp with New York earlier in the season.

Brown, currently on a 10-day contract with the Mavericks, could also be a target for the Knicks. Brown’s contract with Dallas expires Saturday night, and the Mavericks, constrained by their own hard cap, will be unable to re-sign him until April 10.

This situation may provide an opportunity for the Knicks to secure the veteran center, who posted 20 points and 11 rebounds in a starting role for Dallas on Thursday.

While Robinson’s return adds depth to New York’s frontcourt, the team traded away Jericho Sims at the deadline and recently lost rookie center Ariel Hukporti to a knee injury, leaving them with limited options in the paint.

The Knicks have the option of signing players to 10-day contracts, which would carry a cap charge of $119,972. A 10-day deal would allow the team to evaluate candidates without committing to a full season contract, preserving flexibility for the remainder of the season.