Knicks make underwhelming roster move to satisfy requirement

The New York Knicks had two open roster spots after trading Cam Reddish, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Ryan Arcidiacono to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Josh Hart.

Rather than signing a player from the buyout market, the Knicks gave 2022 second-round pick Trevor Keels, who has been on a two-day, a 10-day contract. The 19-year-old rookie has appeared in one game for New York this season, resulting in him playing for only one minute.

Keels has played in 17 games for the Westchester Knicks in the G League and is averaging 14.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 43.2% from the field and 37% from three.

In his most recent game in Westchester, he led the team with 23 points in a 111-109 overtime win.

He’ll now spend some time on New York’s active roster, although there’s a slim to none chance that he’ll actually see the floor.

Knicks sign 2022 second-round pick Trevor Keels to 10-day contract

After a wild draft night that resulted in Trevor Keels as the only addition to the Knicks, he was New York’s lone roster move after the Josh Hart trade. There was speculation that DaQuan Jeffries, who is also on a two-way, would be the team’s solution to fill their 14th roster spot. The Knicks could still make a move involving Jeffries to round out the 15-man roster.

Keels has been doing well in the G League as of late, but he wasn’t the move that fans expected the organization to make. It’ll be a good learning experience for him nonetheless.

After trading for Hart late on Wednesday night leading up to the Thursday trade deadline, it was thought that the Knicks were going to make another move or two. Between the belief that Derrick Rose would be sent to a contender as well as the hard truth that Obi Toppin could be sent to a new team where he could receive the playing time he deserves, New York was silent on Thursday. It was reported that the Knicks were in talks with the Bulls about Zach LaVine, but luckily that ended up being nothing more than a rumor.

Attention was then shifted to the buyout market with players like Terrence Ross and Patrick Beverley becoming available, but New York’s front office didn’t turn there to fulfill the 14-man roster requirement. Instead, Keels was given the nod to join the big leagues.

Given that players like Rose and Evan Fournier have been pushed out of Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, a lot would have to happen for Trevor Keels to play. He’s still young, though, so this small roster move should be beneficial for his continued development but it doesn’t move the needle at all for the team.

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