Knicks Sign Rookie to New Deal

The New York Knicks are giving a rookie center a standard contract.

Jeremy Brener | Nov 4, 2024

Oct 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti (55) during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images / John Jones-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are making a small change to their roster.

According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Knicks are converting rookie center Ariel Hukporti's two-way deal into a standard contract.

Hukporti, 22, was the No. 58 overall pick in this summer's draft by the Knicks, and wasn't expected to be much of a contributor in his rookie year. However, Hukporti has already played in four of the team's first five games. Signing him to a standard deal could result in more playing time for the rookie.

With Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa out with injuries to begin the season, the Knicks have been forced to look at other options lower on the depth chart, including Hukporti and Jericho Sims.

Despite not scoring in any of his first four appearances in the regular season, the Knicks have been impressed with Hukporti's growth and have moved him onto the 15-man roster.

With Hukporti signing his new deal, the Knicks now have a two-way slot open that they can use to sign another player.

Hukporti and the Knicks are back in action tonight as they take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Tipoff is set for 8:45 p.m. ET on MSG.

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Published Nov 4, 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.