Knicks sign former Timberwolves center Nathan Knight to two-way contract

Nate Knight: Best of 2022-23 Season

The New York Knicks signed former Minnesota Timberwolves center Nathan Knight to a two-way contract on Wednesday, according to insider reports.

The 25-year-old, who spent his rookie season and made the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals with the Atlanta Hawks, also played on a two-way contract for the Timberwolves.

During the 2022-23 season, he played in 38 games, including eight NBA playoff games, and averaged 3.7 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. He achieved a shooting percentage of 56.8 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range.

Knight was an undrafted standout at William & Mary University, where he averaged 20.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game as a senior. He was named CAA Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

New York has been openly looking for a new big man to replace Obi Toppin, who was traded to Indiana Pacers, and back up Julius Randle. Eventually, the team settled with the less expensive option in Knight.

Along with Knight, the Knicks also signed a two-way deal with undrafted free agent Jaylen Martin. The Knicks still have one two-way contract spot left for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

Potential player to join the Knicks

Rumors have pointed to the Knicks as the favorites to land Joel Embiid in a trade if he wants to leave the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid’s recent comments about his future at the Uninterrupted Film Festival have fueled speculation that he could be on the move.

Embiid has been one of the best players in the NBA for the past five-plus seasons. However, in his six postseason appearances, the 76ers have yet to make it past the Eastern Conference semifinals.

If Philadelphia cannot replace James Harden, who has requested a trade with another All-Star, Embiid could be the next to leave.