The New York Knicks are looking to win back-to-back NBA Finals after capturing their first championship in a long time. The organization is bringing back nearly every key piece from its championship run, with a few exceptions.
The Knicks have made training camp highly competitive by signing several veterans, including Bruce Brown.
“Earlier this week, the Knicks agreed to Exhibit 9 deals with five players: Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown, John Konchar, Drew Eubanks, and James Wiseman. The Knicks only have two roster spots open and are approaching the second apron, so there's more at stake than just performance and fit during the preseason for this group," SI's Max Wildstein wrote.
Brown was expected to land a guaranteed deal somewhere, but that hasn't happened. He recently revealed that the second apron was the reason he couldn't secure anything better than a training camp invitation.
“Bruce Brown, among the newest crop of Knicks signings, went from logging 82 games last season with a title contender to a scant free agent market. The teams interested "weren't many," he told The Post, and the common excuse was "the second apron." New York Post's Stefan Bondy wrote.
Brown appears to be on the brink of potentially making the roster. The Athletic's James L. Edwards III believes there is a way for Brown to secure a spot.
“It’s possible the Knicks keep both a center and Brown if they’re able to pull off a trade between now and the start of the season — maybe Pacôme Dadiet and a couple of second-round picks in a salary dump move,” Edwards wrote.
Ultimately, it depends on how much New York values having a third center, although a trade remains another possibility. There is still time for the Knicks to make a move, but Brown's experience could be too valuable to pass up.
The veteran NBA champion brings plenty of experience and can play wherever Knicks head coach Mike Brown needs him. The guard could be a valuable addition as New York looks to repeat as champions.
