Knicks make smart move by converting Jericho Sims’ contract to a 3-year deal
The idea of Jericho Sims’ two-way contract being converted to a standard deal had been a topic of discussion after SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the New York Knicks were considering doing so. And on Thursday, it became official.
Shams Charania reported that New York and Sims have agreed to a partially guaranteed three-year deal (with a team option in the final season). The move opened up a two-way spot, which per Fred Katz, will be filled by the Knicks’ No. 42 draft pick Trevor Keels.
So, in the past week, New York signed center Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency, re-signed Mitchell Robinson, and has now given Sims a standard deal. And as of right now, Taj Gibson is still on the roster, but according to Begley, he’s drawn interest from “multiple teams.” If the Knicks waive him, it won’t take long for Gibson to find a new home.
But after being drafted by the Knicks at No. 58 in 2021, Sims has earned his new contract, which came one day before he’s set to take the court in the 2022 NBA Summer League.
Jericho Sims' new contract with the Knicks is for a little short of $6M over three years, sources say. Half the contract is guaranteed with triggers that would guarantee Year 2 and Year 3 to become fully guaranteed before Labor Day of 2023 and 2024.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 7, 2022
Knicks and center Jericho Sims agree to a three-year contract
The 6’9” center averaged 2.2 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 72.2% from the floor in 41 games for New York during his rookie year.
He had a career-high 10 points in a 121-106 win over Charlotte on Mar. 23 and in a 110-98 loss to Brooklyn on Apr. 6, Sims had 10 points (4-of-6), 13 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists in 35 minutes. In the Knicks’ regular-season finale, he posted a career-high 14 rebounds.
One of the bright spots at the end of New York’s otherwise disappointing year was Sims and his hops.
JERICHO OUTTA NOWHERE pic.twitter.com/tzwnLjyT86
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 3, 2022
Based on the growth that he displayed in year one, Sims is someone that the Knicks should want to hold onto and see more of, which is why his contract was converted.
And with Robinson, Hartenstein, and Sims being New York’s trio of centers, the Knicks no longer have to worry about that position. Behind point guard, center was one of the biggest offseason questions with Robinson’s future up in the air. All of that has been ironed out now.
That’s good news, but it’s great news that Sims now has a standard deal. Fans will get to see him on the court again Friday night when New York faces Golden State in the summer league. We all remember how the 23-year-old performed in Las Vegas last summer, so we’re all sure to be in for a treat.
