Knicks predicted to sign ex-Spurs $121M stretch-big, veteran shooter to replace Mitchell Robinson image
The New York Knicks are still trying to figure out their final two roster spots, which they can practically do anything with. They are coming off an NBA championship run that was very impressive, to say the least.
It included one of the best comebacks in Finals history, one that will not be forgotten anytime soon. However, this free agency cycle has been difficult for the Knicks as they look to add depth at the center position.
“This has been an offseason of failed center acquisition attempts for the Knicks, with trades and signings gone wrong. Now, they're forced to weigh Backup Plans P-Z after the previous efforts fell short,” SI’s Isaiah De Los Santos wrote.
Early on, New York had some targets but did not make anything happen with them. They have missed out on several names, and Daily Knicks’ Jack Simone believes the team could turn to veteran Kelly Olynyk.
“Olynyk spent last season with the San Antonio Spurs, and he didn’t shoot the ball super well, but he also didn’t play a ton of minutes. If the Knicks wanted a guy to be a veteran on the bench and also play some center minutes in a pinch, Olynyk could give them that. He may stay in San Antonio, but the Knicks could be an option,” Simone wrote.
With Olynyk at the end of his career, the Knicks could potentially get him on a very cheap deal. The only concern would be him returning to the Spurs after working out with Victor Wembanyama and several of his teammates this summer. Olynyk was among the Spurs players who joined Wembanyama for offseason workouts in Paris.
“Last week, Spurs CEO R. C. Buford stated that 8-10 members of the Spurs roster were joining Victor Wembanyama in Paris to work out. A few of the photos released on social media show Kelly Olynyk as part of the squad,” Pounding the Rock’s Jeph Duarte wrote.
Olynyk would be a serviceable pickup for New York, as he would be a great veteran presence even if he doesn’t play often. He is known for being a consistent shooter at the center position and has played plenty of games throughout his career.
Olynyk has made $121 million throughout his career. The Knicks are likely not looking for players who are going to make a huge impact on the floor, but this veteran could be a great voice in the locker room.
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