Knicks urged to pair Jalen Brunson with $26 million former Celtics, 76ers forward via buyout

The Jalen Brunson-led New York Knicks have ample time to identify the perfect buyout target this season. 

While there are numerous targets already available and a few primed to hit the market soon, Sports Illustrated’s Steven Simineri believes that a 6-foot-8 former Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers forward could be the asset that eventually finds his way on the Knicks’ roster this season.

“The 6-foot-8 sharpshooter was waived by Memphis to make room for the Eric Gordon trade,” Simineri wrote Saturday. 

“He has not played a game this season while recovering from off-season foot surgery and has no timetable for a return. The 32-year-old is a career 39.9% shooter from downtown and comes with plenty of playoff experience, playing in 56 games.”

Niang has bounced around the league a bit since joining the Indiana Pacers in 20216-17 for his rookie campaign. However, the one thing that has remained consistent about Niang is his perimeter shooting. 

While the Iowa State product doesn’t boast the quickest release, he’s been an above-average three-point shooter for the past seven seasons. Niang averaged 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds with the Atlanta Hawks last season, shooting 46.1% from the field and 40.6% from three-point land.

With Niang virtually being a knockdown perimeter shooter in his early 30s, the Knicks would be foolish to ignore him on the buyout market.

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