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Knicks News: Jacob Toppin on two-way confusion, James Harden price tag

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Jacob Toppin #00 of the New York Knicks jogs during the second half of a preseason game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on October 09, 2023 in New York City. The Knicks won 114-107. 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 - OCTOBER 09: Jacob Toppin #00 of the New York Knicks jogs during the second half of a preseason game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on October 09, 2023 in New York City. The Knicks won 114-107. 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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The New York Knicks had a two-way roster spot open on Wednesday after they waived guard Jaylen Martin and another on Thursday after they waived forward Nathan Knight.

Like Martin, Jacob Toppin went undrafted a few months ago, and it was initially reported that he would sign a two-way with New York. Shortly after, it was reported Toppin was actually signing an Exhibit 9 deal.

Toppin could be why the Knicks waived Knight, but New York’s plans are still unknown. Tom Thibodeau’s spoken highly of the younger Toppin, who’s an athletic, versatile defender.

In other Knicks-related news, James Harden hasn’t been with the Sixers since Sunday. He said last week he would play in Philadelphia’s preseason finale on Friday, but he missed practice again on Thursday. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Harden’s absence is because of a “personal matter.”

That’s a bit hard to believe. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that the Sixers and Clippers engaged in trade talks (subscription required) as recently as Monday but that Los Angeles’ refusal to offer Terance Mann is what’s keeping Philadelphia from proceeding with a deal. Daryl Morey reportedly believes the Clippers are “unserious” about getting a deal done, while the Clippers believe Morey is “moving the goalposts.”

The Sixers reportedly want an unprotected first-round pick, a pick swap, Mann, and other players to help match the salary. Philadelphia’s goal is to flip Mann for a first-round pick that could be used to trade for an “All-Star caliber player.” All of that for Harden, who’s set to be a free agent next summer and isn’t exactly reliable.

More Knicks news

  • Immanuel Quickley missed New York’s final two preseason games, and Tom Thibodeau shut down the idea that the guard was sitting due to his contract situation.
  • Former New York guard Alec Burks is entering his second season with the Pistons but has drawn trade interest from a Western Conference squad.

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