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.
The Knicks now have a two-way slot available. Noteworthy: Jacob Toppin originally agreed to a two-why contract before that was mysteriously rescinded.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) October 18, 2023
Jacob Toppin on that:
"It was a problem with something. I don't really need to talk about it right now. We’re past that."
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.”
James Harden did not attend 76ers practice today and is away due to a personal matter.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2023
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.
NBA news
- Adam Silver said on Wednesday that the NBA is considering returning to the East vs. West format for the 2024 All-Star Game.
- As expected, Victor Wembanyama has already taken the 2023-24 season by storm, and it’s still only the preseason.