Knicks cut ties with 7-foot shot blocking center 20 minutes after signing him

Even when expected, it isn’t easy to accept getting waived by a franchise shortly after signing with them. 

A 7-foot center secured an Exhibit 10 deal with the New York Knicks at 10:05 p.m. last Thursday, but was released 20 minutes later. 

“New York Knicks Waive Ibrahima Diallo,” the Knicks’ PR X/Twitter account stated. 

Diallo spent the 2024-25 season with the Austin Spurs (San Antonio Spurs’ G-League affiliate) following a five-year collegiate career (Ohio State, San Jose State, and UCF). 

In 41 contests, the Saly, Senegal native poured in 5.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, shooting 54.2% from the field.

Diallo competed with the Spurs in the NBA 2K26 Summer League and showed he’s still a work in progress offensively (he contributed 1.4 points per contest). 

However, Diallo did continue his shot-blocking ways in a Spurs uniform, swatting 1.2 blocks per outing. 

What’s next for Diallo after New York’s mid-October decision to cut him? Well, the 25-year-old will likely suit up for the Westchester Knicks for at least the start of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Many franchises elect to sign a player briefly before cutting ties with them in an attempt to strengthen their G-League rosters (since they possess their G-League rights), which is the ideal scenario for Diallo at this time.

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