Knicks clear cap room, eye buyout market; Anunoby still out, rookies step up
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The New York Knicks created enough flexibility under the second-apron hard cap at last week’s trade deadline to add a 15th player immediately, positioning the club to pursue help on the buyout market before the March 1 waiver deadline.
Buyout targets under review
Because league rules prohibit the Knicks from signing a player whose pre-waiver salary exceeded $14.1 million, the front office is focusing on candidates with smaller contracts. The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III listed five names that fit both the budget and the roster’s remaining needs: big men Chris Boucher, Marvin Bagley III, Haywood Highsmith, Drew Eubanks and Mason Plumlee.
Edwards identified third-string center as the team’s most pressing hole, though he noted New York could also use a wing defender capable of checking primary ball-handlers. Along with Highsmith, recently waived forward Jeremy Sochan was flagged as a potential target; the Knicks reportedly explored trade scenarios for the 20-year-old before the deadline and remain light on bench size.
Injury update on Anunoby
OG Anunoby missed his fourth consecutive game Wednesday against Philadelphia due to a right-foot toenail avulsion. Head coach Mike Brown said the forward is day-to-day with no firm timetable for return. New York entered the matchup 1-2 during Anunoby’s absence, having been routed by Detroit on Friday and falling to Indiana in overtime Tuesday.
Diawara earns defensive honors
Rookie forward Mohamed Diawara, the 51st pick in the 2025 draft, has absorbed some of Anunoby’s minutes. The 20-year-old impressed in Boston on Sunday, guarding both Payton Pritchard and Jaylen Brown effectively and earning the club’s “defensive player of the game” award. Brown praised Diawara’s willingness to dive for loose balls, make the correct pass and defend aggressively.
Alvarado settles in at Madison Square Garden
Newly acquired guard Jose Alvarado called his first appearance at Madison Square Garden “one for the books.” The Queens native finished with four points and five assists in 18 minutes during Tuesday’s overtime loss to the Pacers, admitting postgame that pre-tip nerves affected his performance. “I was glad I got it out of the way,” he said. “I can’t wait to come back and win some games here.”
Clarkson voices frustration
Veteran scorer Jordan Clarkson, logging the fewest minutes of his NBA career, took to social media to push back on concerns about his playing time. Responding to a post that referenced his role, Clarkson wrote, “Stop saying my minutes, I never had minutes.” The 33-year-old has struggled to find rhythm, particularly from three-point range, since transitioning to a reduced role under Brown.
Source: HoopsRumors
