The New York Knicks have agreed to terms with Mindaugas Kuzminskas. Who is he and why should you love his signing?
The New York Knicks have crafted a roster with some of the bigger names in the NBA. Carmelo Anthony, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose have all accumulated incredible accolades, and Kristaps Porzingis became an international sensation as a rookie.
Joining that quartet of current and rising stars—a conversation for another day—is borderline All-Star Brandon Jennings and postseason mainstay Courtney Lee.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that Knicks fans are cautiously optimistic about Phil Jackson‘s latest move. International basketball fans and analysts are quite familiar with him, but New York’s most recent addition isn’t exactly a household name in NBA circles.
According to Lithuanian basketball writer Donatas Urbonas, the Knicks have agreed to terms with Mindaugas Kuzminskas on a two-year deal.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas signed 2 year deal with New York Knicks, baby! https://t.co/gO90CqpNcd
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) July 5, 2016
International basketball powerhouse Sportando reports that the Knicks have agreed to pay a steep buyout price in order to sign Kuzminskas.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas had already an agreement with Dogus.
— Sportando (@Sportando) July 5, 2016
Knicks have to pay a “high buyout” to the Turkish team to free him, per source
Per international basketball guru David Pick, the two-year deal will be worth $6 million.
Knicks offered Mindaugas Kuzminskas a two-year $6 million deal, source said. He should be en route to US.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) July 5, 2016
The fair question is: why should Knicks fans care?
Throw in Lance Thomas, and the Knicks have a rotation of seven players who should all average in excess of 20 minutes per game. More importantly, New York has a rotation of players who have already established themselves as high-quality—or even star-caliber—players.
Before you write him off, however, it’s imperative that you know the five critical reasons to love the Kuzminskas signing—and yes, you should love the Kuzminskas signing.
Next: Ready For The Moment