The New York Knicks are still looking to round out their roster after the NBA roster cuts. With the defending NBA champions choosing a wait-and-see approach, the Knicks may be able to sign a player cut by a team.
What happened?
The Charlotte Hornets are unlikely to suit up Dorian Finney-Smith this year, and he is owed a substantial amount of money ($13.3 million). However, waiving that amount of guaranteed money is not typical for a team to do before a season even starts. The Hornets have other players on the roster that are intriguing, and it would make more sense for them to move on from a veteran that would be unlikely to receive playing time.
Why it matters for New York Knicks
Finney-Smith would likely be highly sought after if he reached the open market, but he may be intrigued with New York after the recent championship. For New York, adding an additional wing that the team would be able to plug into the rotation could be an attractive option. Finney-Smith barely played for the Houston Rockets last season, but would be insurance against any injury to OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and/or Mikal Bridges. The team could even try flirting with lineups with him playing as a big to see how it would hold up in a playoff setting.
What comes next?
Jericho Sims is another player who could be a good fit for the Knicks. He has shown chemistry with Jalen Brunson in the past, posting a +5.8 rating over the course of nearly 600 possessions in 2024-25. His rim running would be a value add after the departure of Mitchell Robinson this offseason. Sims has been reunited with the Knicks, but they may be in a precarious situation with a roster filled and just taking on a lot of young players in the recent trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
Why it matters for New York Knicks
A return to New York could be beneficial for both sides. Ariel Hukporti just earned a bit of a pay bump to join Philadelphia after getting some shine as the 3rd center on a championship team. That could be the blueprint for Sims to follow as he is set to become a free agent next summer.
What comes next?
Moussa Cisse is another player who could be a good fit for the Knicks. He was offered a contract by the New York Knicks a few weeks ago but because he was a restricted free agent the Dallas Mavericks opted to match the deal. Part of his contract becomes guaranteed on September 1st, meaning that the Mavericks may have to make a decision quickly in order to avoid being on the hook for part of his contract.
Why it matters for New York Knicks
The Knicks could try to sign Cisse, who would bring a valuable big man to the team. Cisse was a key player for the Mavericks last season, and his addition would give the Knicks a strong presence in the paint. With the recent form of the Knicks (4W-0D-1L, on a 4-game winning run), they may be looking to add some depth to their roster.
Last result: San Antonio Spurs 90-94 New York Knicks (2026-06-14).
