The real reasoning behind the Knicks signing DaQuan Jeffries to 2-year deal

On Sunday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the New York Knicks were signing DaQuan Jeffries to a multi-year deal. Jeffries played for New York during Summer League and starred in Westchester this season. However, the 25-year-old hasn’t played in a game for the Knicks.

After going undrafted in 2019, Jeffries signed with the Magic. He was released before playing in a game for Orlando. The 25-year-old has played for Sacramento (31 games from 2019 to 2021), Houston (13 games in 2021-22), and Memphis (three games in 2021-22).

He signed a two-way with the Knicks ahead of the 2021-22 season and has since signed two 10-day deals with the organization. Because New York was unable to sign him to a third 10-day deal and has to have a minimum of 14 players on standard contracts, the front office opted to give Jeffires a two-year deal.

New York Knicks sign 25-year-old DaQuan Jeffries to two-year deal

DaQuan Jeffries was cut from making the Knicks’ final roster several months ago after training camp, but Tom Thibodeau attributed it to him having a concussion. Thibodeau said, “I believe he’s an NBA player, unfortunately, he had the concussion.” New York signed Jeffries to a two-way deal after camp and waived Feron Hunt.

Jeffries averaged 21.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 steals in 21 starts for Westchester this season. The only player who had a higher average in points and steals was Miles McBride, who played in only one game for Westchester.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Jeffries’ deal is guaranteed for the rest of the 2022-23 season but is non-guaranteed for 2023-24. New York can keep Jeffries on the roster through training camp ahead of the start of the 2023-24 season.

Given that he’s yet to play in a game for the Knicks, that likely won’t change. However, he’s clearly impressed Thibodeau and the front office enough to receive a guaranteed deal for the rest of the season. Although this move doesn’t move the needle for New York, it’s still a good accomplishment for Jeffries as he continues to fight to establish himself as an NBA player.

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