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New York Knicks contracts: John Jenkins and Henry Ellenson prediction

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: John Jenkins #30 of the New York Knicks reacts after he thought a foul should have been called against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on April 07, 2019 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards 113-110.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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: John Jenkins #30 of the New York Knicks reacts after he thought a foul should have been called against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on April 07, 2019 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards 113-110.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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks signed John Jenkins and Henry Ellenson to contracts in the latter half of the season. Are they fits for the 2019-20 roster?

Free agency is not just about Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for the New York Knicks, but the status of their own players set to hit the open market. Most of their roster is set to leave, including DeAndre Jordan, Mario Hezonja and Noah Vonleh. Dennis Smith Jr., Frank Ntilikina, Mitchell Robinson and Kevin Knox are among those under contract.

John Jenkins and Henry Ellenson were late additions to the Knicks in February. Both signed 10-day contracts and were extended for the rest of the season, each with a team option, afterward.

With play over, the Knicks will have a decision to make on both players. Are they part of the 2019-20 roster? Let’s take a look:

John Jenkins

John Jenkins received his opportunity after an extended, productive stay with the G League’s Westchester Knicks. The Washington Wizards signed him to a 10-day contract in between, but they did not keep him.

The Knicks had a dire need for outside shooting for most of the season. While Tim Hardaway Jr. was streaky, his departure in the Kristaps Porzingis trade left a vacancy for players to stretch the floor. It was not a prolific result, but Jenkins shot 35.7 percent from behind the arc for 5.2 points.

The Vanderbilt product has a $1.98 million team option that needs a decision before free agency, but it is difficult to think New York will exercise. They need all the cap space possible to sign two players to max contracts, and Jenkins did not perform well enough to garner a definitive second season.

Maybe the Knicks offer a contract after their roster takes shape, but nothing more than the veteran’s minimum. Jenkins can still space the floor and act as a valuable player.

Henry Ellenson

The Detroit Pistons cut ties with Henry Ellenson after two-plus disappointing years. He was their first-round pick in 2016, but struggled to crack the rotation and departed after the trade deadline.

Ellenson saw his contract extended after posting 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists in his first full chance with the Knicks. However, he struggled to play afterward, despite the thinly talented roster, and that all but minimized his impact down the stretch.

In 17 games, Ellenson shot 44.1 percent on a pair of three-point attempts per game. That included six three-pointers made in the final four contests, two of which were wins.

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Like Jenkins, the Marquette product’s only chance to return to the New York Knicks is after they decline his team option, for identical reasons. He can add an end-of-the-bench presence as a reserve forward on the veteran’s minimum.