New York Knicks: 2019 NBA free agency grades for every contract

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 7: Elfrid Payton #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 7, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 7: Elfrid Payton #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 7, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

B-. . SG. New York Knicks. WAYNE ELLINGTON

The New York Knicks opened free agency with three consecutive signings in the frontcourt, so they followed with back-to-back additions to address the backcourt, which eyed depth for an area of need.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks will sign Wayne Ellington to a two-year, $16 million contract. The second season is a team option. This leaves the front office with about $11 million to spend.

Ellington is the latest addition to bolster New York’s floor-spacing needs. They had few players who provided this last season, let alone anyone who did it consistently. Now, they have two former Tar Heels — the other being Bullock — to work as outside shooters next to Smith and whoever becomes the backup point guard.

Ellington is a career 37.9 percent three-point shooter, so the Knicks know what they are receiving from this 31 year old. He can play off the bench and deepen a group that struggled to make outside shots.

This is another veteran presence for a young Knicks team, as well. Ellington, as this roster’s second-oldest player, brings 10 years of experience to an inexperienced backcourt of Dotson, Smith, Trier and RJ Barrett.

A solid signing overall for the Knicks. Not one that will create a highlight reel, but quality depth for a roster that needed new faces across the board.