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New York Knicks: Free Agency Tracker

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on during a stop in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on during a stop in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) guard New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (11) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) guard New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (11) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleanthony Early: Qualifying Offer Not Extended

Position: Small Forward
Age: 25 (4/17/1991)
2015-16 Slash Line: .300/.267/.750
2015-16 Season Averages: 9.1 MPG, 1.8 PPG, 1.5 RPG

When Phil Jackson traded into the 2014 NBA Draft to select Cleanthony Early at No. 34 overall, many were intrigued. Early had completed an incredible rise from the NJCAA to the Association by breaking out on the collegiate front.

Two years later, Eric Pincus of BasketballInsiders.com is reporting that the New York Knicks didn’t extend Early’s qualifying offer.

Early will now become an unrestricted free agent, meaning he can sign with any team he chooses.

Before making any concrete determinations, it’s worth noting that Early will play for the Knicks at the Summer League. Thus, it’s entirely possible that he shows out and earns a new contract with the team that drafted him.

It’s also possible that the organization has lost faith in his ability to become a consistent contributor.

In two seasons with the Knicks, Early has played 56 regular season games and amassed a slash line of .346/.263/.750. He’s played at a high level in the D-League, however, and suffered an unprecedented setback in 2015 when he suffered a gunshot wound to the knee.

Enough faith remains in Early for him to be on the Summer League roster, but he’ll need to earn his keep in 2016.

Next: Ron Baker

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