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