The New York Knicks have waived center Liam Robbins just 24 hours after signing the 7-footer to an Exhibit 10 training camp deal. The transaction was confirmed by the team's official PR account on Wednesday night.
This move follows a pattern for the Knicks during this preseason period. It comes as the team builds momentum from their recent on-court success, including a tight 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14. Their recent form shows four wins in their last five outings, with a current two-game winning streak.
The Knicks announced the signing of Liam Robbins on Tuesday. By 7:18 p.m. On Wednesday, the same transaction account reported he had been waived. Robbins, a Vanderbilt product, went undrafted in 2023 before starting his pro career with the New Orleans Pelicans.
He did not make the Pelicans' opening-night roster and was assigned to their G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron. The 2023-24 season was hampered by injuries for the big man. He later signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, appearing in 10 games and averaging 0.7 points and 0.9 rebounds.
Last season, Robbins played for the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers' G League team. In 10 appearances there, he put up 9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. The Knicks' decision suggests they viewed him as a developmental project who might benefit from time with the Westchester Knicks, but they opted for a different roster direction.
Exhibit 10 contracts are non-guaranteed deals designed primarily for training camp invites. They often include a bonus if the player sticks with the team's G League affiliate after being waived. The Knicks' quick pivot indicates they are actively evaluating their backend roster options as the season approaches.
Robbins is not the only player to experience this. Earlier this week, the team also parted ways with another frontcourt player shortly after a signing. These moves help finalize the roster and create potential slots for the Westchester Knicks. The parent club is clearly fine-tuning its depth following a strong playoff run.
That run included dramatic games against the Spurs, like a 107-106 Knicks win on June 11 and a 111-115 loss on June 9.
The front office continues to shape the roster ahead of training camp. Waiving Robbins opens a spot for another camp invite or allows for greater flexibility. The Knicks' recent results, including wins of 105-104 and 105-95 over the Spurs in early June, show a team competing at a high level.
Their dominant 130-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 26 further highlights their potential. Management is likely ensuring every roster spot is optimized to support that core. For Liam Robbins, the hope is another chance in the G League can provide the consistent playing time he needs to develop.
The Knicks' focus now shifts to integrating their main rotation players. Preseason preparations will intensify, building on a solid foundation of recent wins. The team's 4-1 record in its last five games provides a confident starting point for the new campaign.
