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3 Most underpaid New York Knicks in the 2023-24 season

By Zachary Bachar

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on January 09, 2023 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on January 09, 2023 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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With preseason action officially less than two months away, it isn’t too early to begin discussing 2023-24. The New York Knicks will have postseason expectations after coming off their first playoff series win in a decade.

They’ll be returning with the same core, along with a few minor additions, such as backup shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo, who was signed in free agency. This is due to some commendable cap management from the front office.

Team President Leon Rose hasn’t yet made the blockbuster trade that New York seems to be gathering assets for, but he’s still done well to keep the Knicks’ payroll flexible. In fact, all five starters from last year’s 47-win team are under contract for at least two more seasons.

This would only be possible without diving headfirst into the luxury tax by signing players to contracts below their market value, which New York has accomplished time and time again.

3 Most underpaid New York Knicks players for this upcoming season

3: Quentin Grimes

Players outplaying their rookie-scale contracts isn’t an uncommon phenomenon, but Quentin Grimes’ production just two years into his career is already more than enough to consider him one of the best bargains in the league.

The 25th overall pick in 2021 recorded six starts in his first year before cracking the opening lineup full-time last season, with his quick-trigger shot release and unrelenting defensive energy quickly endearing him to head coach Tom Thibodeau.

Grimes will be making just under $2.4 million next season, making him the 347th highest-paid player in the league. The salaries closest to him include John Konchar, Drew Eubanks, Luke Kornet, and Nikola Jovic.

Those four players combined for 59 starts last season, averaging under seven points per game. Grimes averaged 11.3 points, starting in 66 games while he did so.

He’s been busy over the summer, too. Grimes reached out to retired three-point marksman JJ Redick to spend a few days picking his brain about shooting mechanics. He also recently met with four-time All-Star and current Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway to work on finishing at the rim.

Grimes has a skillset built for the modern NBA, and the commitment to improving his game is on full display. It isn’t difficult to imagine him outplaying his scoring numbers from last year in 2023-24, much less the numbers on his rookie contract.

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