Could Knicks Sign Clippers Center?

Daniel Theis could be an option in free agency for the New York Knicks.

Jeremy Brener | Jul 7, 2024

Apr 14, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Daniel Theis (10) shoots against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are still looking to replace Isaiah Hartenstein at center in free agency after he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Most of the league's centers were quick to come off the free agency big board after Hartenstein signed as he was the first domino to fall. However, one of the dominoes yet to move is Daniel Theis, who faces free agency after his season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Theis, 32, played 59 games for the Clippers this past season, averaging 6.3 points per game. He could have had a chance to return to the Clippers, but they opted to sign Kai Jones and Mo Bamba, effectively eliminating any path for Theis to return to Los Angeles.

So, could he change coasts and come to New York?

Theis has reportedly received some interests from teams in the NBA and overseas, but he has yet to make a decision. The Knicks haven't been reported to be involved in negotiations for Theis, but it might be in their best interest to make a phone call to his agent.

Theis was the starting center for the Boston Celtics in their 2019-20 campaign when they made the Eastern Conference Finals, so he isn't too far removed from playing a big role for one of the best teams in the NBA.

Theis won't need to start for the Knicks, but he could hypothetically do so. He hasn't been a consistent starter since the 2021-22 campaign with the Houston Rockets, but it's a role he could eventually step into.

More than likely, if he were to join the Knicks, he would be a backup for Mitchell Robinson, who is expected to reclaim his spot in the starting five before Hartenstein took over.

Theis could be a productive depth piece in the frontcourt rotation for the Knicks, providing spacing as a potential 3-point shooter and rim protection on the defensive side of the ball.

Theis is likely to join a team that isn't the Knicks this season since New York hasn't kicked the tires yet on a potential signing. However, it's an idea the Knicks should explore given the current state of affairs.

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Published Jul 7, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.