Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks Rumors: New York agrees to contract with Mario Hezonja

By Maxwell Ogden

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 18: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 18, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 18: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 18, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

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.

Per Wojnarowski, the Knicks beat out several franchises, including the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers, for Hezonja’s services.

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.

Must Read: Who are the 25 greatest players in New York Knicks history?

Welcome to the New York Knicks, Mario Hezonja. The pressure is on to realize your untapped potential.