The New York Knicks have signed five players to Exhibit 9 contracts, setting up a training camp battle for the team's final roster spot. This comes as the defending NBA champions look to build on their title-winning momentum, fresh off a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14, 2026. The team's recent form shows four wins in their last five games, including a current two-game winning streak.
The Knicks signed Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown, James Wiseman, John Konchar, and Drew Eubanks to non-guaranteed deals. They currently have 13 players on guaranteed contracts and just over $3 million in room below the second salary cap apron. That financial space allows for only one more addition before the season starts, making this a high-stakes competition.
Last year, a similar situation yielded Landry Shamet, who became an essential role player during the championship run and later re-signed for four years. The Knicks hope one of this year's five signings can have a similar impact, though such outcomes are rare. Players fighting for a final spot often struggle to earn the minutes needed to make a difference.
These signings are part of a larger offseason plan for a roster that still feels incomplete. To avoid the punitive second apron, the Knicks lost key backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics. They replaced him with Andre Drummond, which is considered a downgrade in rim protection and athleticism.
New York's front office has actively sought another big man. They attempted a trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi, which failed. The team then submitted a restricted free agent offer sheet for Dallas Mavericks big Moussa Cissé, but Dallas matched it. This leaves Eubanks and Wiseman as fliers at the center position, though neither is expected to be a major playoff rotation piece.
If the Knicks want to add a playoff-caliber center, a trade is the most likely path. This is where the signings of wings Bruce Brown, John Konchar, and Ochai Agbaji become relevant. The team has a surplus of perimeter players, including Shamet, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, and Miles McBride. Young players like Mohamed Diawara and Tyler Kolek also showed they are ready for larger roles last season.
This depth gives President Leon Rose and the front office potential trade assets. Packaging one or more of these wings could help acquire the frontcourt help they need.
The Knicks enter this process from a position of strength, having just clinched a tight 107-106 win over the Spurs on June 11. Their recent results against San Antonio, including a 111-115 loss on June 9 and a 105-104 win on June 6, show a team used to close contests. Finding the right final piece could be what separates another deep playoff run from a title defense.
