It took less than 24 hours of negotiations for the New York Knicks to agree to a one-year deal with free agent forward Mario Hezonja.
The New York Knicks have acted swiftly during the 2018 period of free agency. Mere hours after the wildest time of the NBA year commenced, the Knicks re-signed free agent center Luke Kornet to a one-year deal worth $1.6 million.
Less than 24 hours later, New York struck again with a signing that targets its need for an infusion of perimeter talent.
It was reported early on July 1 that the Knicks shared mutual interest with former Orlando Magic forward Mario Hezonja. The negotiations escalated quickly, as New York offered a portion of its Mid-Level Exception to the former top-five draft pick.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Knicks have signed Hezonja to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million.
For Hezonja and KNICKS, it's a one-year, $6.5M deal, sources tell ESPN. He'll have a real opportunity to create some traction for his career with the Knicks. https://t.co/hLe6jPXwaI
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2018
Per Wojnarowski, the Knicks beat out several franchises, including the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers, for Hezonja’s services.
The Knicks and Hezonja close out a tough recruitment, where several teams -- including Portland, Sacramento and Memphis -- competed for a fifth overall pick from the 2015 NBA Draft. Hezonja was drawn to coach David Fizdale, after going thru several coaching changes in Orlando.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2018
Hezonja has been a speculated target for weeks on end. He’ll now have a chance to play for David Fizdale in 2018-19.
Hezonja was selected at No. 5 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft—just one pick after Knicks All-Star Kristaps Porzingis. He’s underwhelmed through three seasons, but is coming off of a 2017-18 campaign during which he showed signs of growth and improvement.
Hezonja finished 2017-18 with averages of 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.0 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
He did so while setting a new career-high in field goal percentage at .442, as well as career-best marks in Real Plus-Minus and Win Shares.
A 6’8″ forward who has spent time at both the 3 and the 4 during his NBA career, Hezonja has the tools to become a quality two-way player. He can play above the rim, space the floor with improving efficiency, and add a necessary infusion of athleticism to the frontcourt.
In New York, he’ll create competition with 2018 first-round draft pick Kevin Knox, while also being able to play alongside the former Kentucky Wildcats star.
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Welcome to the New York Knicks, Mario Hezonja. The pressure is on to realize your untapped potential.