NY Knicks claim Theo Pinson off waivers, waive Allonzo Trier

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Theo Pinson #10 of the Brooklyn Nets attempts a lay up past Allonzo Trier #14 and Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks during a preseason game at Barclays Center on October 3, 2018 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Theo Pinson #10 of the Brooklyn Nets attempts a lay up past Allonzo Trier #14 and Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks during a preseason game at Barclays Center on October 3, 2018 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks claimed Theo Pinson off waivers and waive Allonzo Trier.


After claiming Jared Harper off waivers yesterday, the New York Knicks quickly turned around today to claim Theo Pinson off of waivers from the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks concurrently waived Allonzo Trier. Pinson has a team option worth $1.7 million if the Knicks decide to exercise it by October.

Pinson agreed to a two year contract with the Nets last summer. He played 33 games this season, averaging 3.6 points/game in 11.1 minutes/game. He spent most of the 2018-19 season shuffling between the NBA and the G-League with the Long Island Nets. Pinson was an integral part of the Nets culture, often showcasing his dancing abilities off the bench. Unfortunately, his offensive prowess could never reach the dexterity of his dance moves.

The New York Knicks move on from Allonzo Trier

Trier instantly became a heralded undrafted success story with the Knicks. He initially wowed fans during Summer League, and was rewarded with a two-way contract. Trier continued his hot performance into the regular season, where the Knicks were forced to rip up his two-way deal and signed him to a 2-year, $7 million contract. As an undrafted rookie, he made nearly as much as the 10th overall pick in the draft, Mikal Bridges.

A calf injury shut Trier’s rookie campaign short. What Trier didn’t realize is that the injury commenced the beginning of the end of his Knicks tenure. By that time, Trier took the “Iso Zo” nickname to heart, which rubbed some of his other teammates the wrong way, including Tim Hardaway Jr. His reputation of being a selfish player carried over into the current season.

With RJ Barrett and the glut of point guards on the roster, Trier became the odd man out of the guard rotation. He quickly started to rack up DNPs, and a bunch of freak injuries, from illnesses to concussions, further ruled him out of games. Trier ended his Knicks tenure averaging 6.5 points/game in 24 games played.

Any team that claims Trier will do so knowing he’s a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the season. Additionally, Rich Paul now represents Trier, so he could potentially be in store for a nice contract elsewhere.