[ IMAGES: Images ON turn off | ACCOUNT: User Status is LOCKED why? ]

Mo Diawara could/should eventually be the missing piece
Author Thread
Knixkik
Posts: 35682
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #11
USA
3/2/2026  11:00 AM
LivingLegend wrote:
martin wrote:

Didn't read the articles Martin but do we know which Knick exec or scout pushed for Mo in draft?

Was it Perrine or maybe a Euro scout that found him?

He’s a CAA guy who shares an agent with Yabusele. So I think it was somewhat agent related.

AUTOADVERT
Rookie
Posts: 27272
Alba Posts: 28
Joined: 10/15/2008
Member: #2274

3/2/2026  11:14 AM
martin wrote:Broken record here and it’s the same as lots of others have typed: if you could hypothetically pick a Frankenstein starter over Hart, that guy’s qualities would be a big wing PF who is mobile, can spread at 40% distance shooting, defend inside and on perimeter, dribble and pass first player to alleviate Jalen, and on a cheap contract.

Lo and behold: Mo

You can’t make this up in a fairytale. 51st pick.

He’s like the multiverse version of Randle

Rookie
Posts: 27272
Alba Posts: 28
Joined: 10/15/2008
Member: #2274

3/2/2026  11:38 AM
What do you think is a fair contract for Mo? 4 years 22M with the last year being a player option?
martin
Posts: 79145
Alba Posts: 108
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #2
USA
3/2/2026  11:55 AM
Rookie wrote:What do you think is a fair contract for Mo? 4 years 22M with the last year being a player option?

This is an interesting question to me. The Knicks can't offer him that outright. They can only do 120% raises (and maybe it's 140% cause that's what his cap hold is for next year), that's my base understanding.

So I am wondering if they do anything proactive with him. And the only proactive thing they can do is literally work with his agent and another team to offer him a contract so that they can immediately match?

I wonder if Leon talks to his good buddies in Indiana and remind him about how he handed them Obi and calls in his chits on that one with the cooperation of Mo's agents? Cause that's the only thing I can think outside of underpaying Mo next year with a ~ $2.4M, $3M contract to get him to Bird Rights?

Official sponsor of the PURE KNICKS LOVE Program
Knixkik
Posts: 35682
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #11
USA
3/2/2026  12:06 PM
Rookie wrote:What do you think is a fair contract for Mo? 4 years 22M with the last year being a player option?

This is fairly unprecedented to get a big contract like this with such low career minutes. Especially with a player option. I also think Mo will opt for lesser years knowing he can cash in earlier. I’m thinking maybe 2 years 10M or 3 years 15M. But we will see.

newyorknewyork
Posts: 30255
Alba Posts: 1
Joined: 1/16/2004
Member: #541
3/2/2026  12:23 PM
For an NBA free agent entering his second season in 2026 after being drafted in the second round, the maximum salary he can receive depends on whether he is re-signing with his original team or signing with a new team using specific exceptions.

Re-signing with the Original Team (Non-Bird Rights)
If a player was on a one-year contract and the team has "Non-Bird Rights," they can re-sign him to a starting salary of up to 120% of his previous salary or 120% of the minimum salary, whichever is greater.

Signing with a New Team (Exceptions)
If the player becomes a free agent and signs with a new team, his maximum is typically limited by the exceptions that team has available:
Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (NTMLE): For the 2025-26 season, this is worth up to $14.104 million.
Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception: This is worth approximately $5.685 million.
Room Exception: For teams with cap space, this is $8.781 million.

Maximum Possible Salary (The "Arenas Rule")
Because the player has only one year of service, he is subject to the Gilbert Arenas Provision. This rule limits the first-year salary a new team can offer a restricted free agent to the amount of the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception ($14.104 million). This prevents other teams from offering a full "max" contract (25% of the cap) that the original team (with only Non-Bird or Early Bird rights) would be unable to match.

2025-26 Key Salary Figures
The following figures represent the standard limits for players with 0–1 years of experience in the 2025-26 league year:

https://vote.nba.com/en Vote for your Knicks.
Philc1
Posts: 28985
Alba Posts: 2
Joined: 9/2/2020
Member: #8897

3/2/2026  12:43 PM
Rose needs to extend both Mo and Shamet now.
martin
Posts: 79145
Alba Posts: 108
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #2
USA
3/2/2026  3:10 PM
Philc1 wrote:Rose needs to extend both Mo and Shamet now.

Too bad he really cant?

Official sponsor of the PURE KNICKS LOVE Program
Philc1
Posts: 28985
Alba Posts: 2
Joined: 9/2/2020
Member: #8897

3/2/2026  3:41 PM
martin wrote:
Philc1 wrote:Rose needs to extend both Mo and Shamet now.

Too bad he really cant?

Waive Clarkson

martin
Posts: 79145
Alba Posts: 108
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #2
USA
3/2/2026  4:19 PM
Philc1 wrote:
martin wrote:
Philc1 wrote:Rose needs to extend both Mo and Shamet now.

Too bad he really cant?

Waive Clarkson

Sure. But then Leon still can't lol

Official sponsor of the PURE KNICKS LOVE Program
Nalod
Posts: 71929
Alba Posts: 155
Joined: 12/24/2003
Member: #508
USA
3/2/2026  6:06 PM
PhilC is on a roll today!
martin
Posts: 79145
Alba Posts: 108
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #2
USA
3/2/2026  10:30 PM
martin wrote:
Panos wrote:I am waiting for the: i would not trade Mo for Mobley (or similar) post

No Mo in the Giannis trade, that's one step too far.

Help me understand if this is correct:

One small twist in a potential Giannis trade, which if it were to happen would be at or around draft period cause the Knicks can trade the 2026 first and other stuff becomes available to trade too.

Because Mo didn’t sign a multi year deal, he won’t be eligible to be traded cause he is a restricted free agent not technically under contract until after he accepts something for next season, which is after the draft?

Official sponsor of the PURE KNICKS LOVE Program
VDesai
Posts: 43299
Alba Posts: 44
Joined: 10/28/2003
Member: #477
USA
3/3/2026  8:56 AM
I think Mo, if he continues playing like this over the next 20 games and gets playoff minutes, will likely attract teams to offer him something in the TPMLE range - which would be 2 yrs / $12mm or so. That's roughly the level where every team can play. If you're a veteran team in the taxpayer, you can make an argument for making an offer to Mo in that range given his age/potential.

If we wind up matching Mo, re-signing Shamet and re-signing Mitch, we'll likely need to go over the 2nd apron. As long we don't have a disastrous playoff and get reasonably close, I think that's what we end up doing.

Nalod
Posts: 71929
Alba Posts: 155
Joined: 12/24/2003
Member: #508
USA
3/3/2026  9:35 AM
The kid is 20 and an opportunity is more valuable sometimes then some contracts. That he proved himself is one thing but he also owes the team the benefit of the doubt given few contending teams let rookies do what he is doing. With the right coach and staff in place that is very important than say go to a **** team with cap space and take nice 2 year-3 year deal. He is learning, surrounded by a mature group of players, and thriving. So rare this happens. Ask Frank. Ask Trier. Frank was drafted into chaos and he failed to execute. Trier was given a golden ticket/contract and was never to be seen again. Shit happens for many reasons. Not just Knicks either.

I know we all excited about his upside and if true the money will come regardless. Im not saying he ownes us a debt of graditude he should repay to his detriment. He, his agent, and the knicks had a plan and he fulfilled/executed his end wonderfully. Relationships that work are rare and I gather this FO, lead by an very smart former agent knows how to lay it all out to everyones benefit.

Maybe what we miss is we don't bring everyone back thus creating salary spots that can be filled. ON the surface Mitch and perhaps Josh could be gone. I don't know how our FO feels about Giannis and at what price. That itself will create massive change.

While there is value in running it back one more year with this core under Brown if there is still a higher ceiling with the same group, one can also say if we don't go to finals with Mitch and Josh, then maybe there is another path?
Same with KAT, OG and Mikal I suppose.

I don't see it, but all things I gather are on the table. That also includes at some level and in time Diawa becomming a really good trade chip. Kind of like Deuce with his current contract. Its another reason development is important. They create opportunities (IQ).

I thought the graphic during the SAS game sunday that Spurs get so much production from drafted players while the knicks hardly get any was interesting. They were not critical, just said there were different paths.

Rookie
Posts: 27272
Alba Posts: 28
Joined: 10/15/2008
Member: #2274

3/3/2026  10:52 AM
Nalod wrote:The kid is 20 and an opportunity is more valuable sometimes then some contracts. That he proved himself is one thing but he also owes the team the benefit of the doubt given few contending teams let rookies do what he is doing. With the right coach and staff in place that is very important than say go to a **** team with cap space and take nice 2 year-3 year deal. He is learning, surrounded by a mature group of players, and thriving. So rare this happens. Ask Frank. Ask Trier. Frank was drafted into chaos and he failed to execute. Trier was given a golden ticket/contract and was never to be seen again. Shit happens for many reasons. Not just Knicks either.

I know we all excited about his upside and if true the money will come regardless. Im not saying he ownes us a debt of graditude he should repay to his detriment. He, his agent, and the knicks had a plan and he fulfilled/executed his end wonderfully. Relationships that work are rare and I gather this FO, lead by an very smart former agent knows how to lay it all out to everyones benefit.

Maybe what we miss is we don't bring everyone back thus creating salary spots that can be filled. ON the surface Mitch and perhaps Josh could be gone. I don't know how our FO feels about Giannis and at what price. That itself will create massive change.

While there is value in running it back one more year with this core under Brown if there is still a higher ceiling with the same group, one can also say if we don't go to finals with Mitch and Josh, then maybe there is another path?
Same with KAT, OG and Mikal I suppose.

I don't see it, but all things I gather are on the table. That also includes at some level and in time Diawa becomming a really good trade chip. Kind of like Deuce with his current contract. Its another reason development is important. They create opportunities (IQ).

I thought the graphic during the SAS game sunday that Spurs get so much production from drafted players while the knicks hardly get any was interesting. They were not critical, just said there were different paths.

If you could choose only one of Deuce and Alvarado who you got? Deuce’s next contract is going to hurt, could be time to move on and stick with the veteran minimum guy. Besides we have a guy who’s not really a point guard but too small to be a shooting guard named Brunson. I love Deuce but sometimes you can’t keep everybody. Mitch on the other hand isn’t going anywhere. If someone is going to do a team friendly contest it’s him.

With the cap situation I don’t see us keeping our FRP either. Maybe we just kick it down the road because going over that second apron looks like a bad way to go.

Nalod
Posts: 71929
Alba Posts: 155
Joined: 12/24/2003
Member: #508
USA
3/3/2026  11:59 AM
Rookie wrote:
Nalod wrote:The kid is 20 and an opportunity is more valuable sometimes then some contracts. That he proved himself is one thing but he also owes the team the benefit of the doubt given few contending teams let rookies do what he is doing. With the right coach and staff in place that is very important than say go to a **** team with cap space and take nice 2 year-3 year deal. He is learning, surrounded by a mature group of players, and thriving. So rare this happens. Ask Frank. Ask Trier. Frank was drafted into chaos and he failed to execute. Trier was given a golden ticket/contract and was never to be seen again. Shit happens for many reasons. Not just Knicks either.

I know we all excited about his upside and if true the money will come regardless. Im not saying he ownes us a debt of graditude he should repay to his detriment. He, his agent, and the knicks had a plan and he fulfilled/executed his end wonderfully. Relationships that work are rare and I gather this FO, lead by an very smart former agent knows how to lay it all out to everyones benefit.

Maybe what we miss is we don't bring everyone back thus creating salary spots that can be filled. ON the surface Mitch and perhaps Josh could be gone. I don't know how our FO feels about Giannis and at what price. That itself will create massive change.

While there is value in running it back one more year with this core under Brown if there is still a higher ceiling with the same group, one can also say if we don't go to finals with Mitch and Josh, then maybe there is another path?
Same with KAT, OG and Mikal I suppose.

I don't see it, but all things I gather are on the table. That also includes at some level and in time Diawa becomming a really good trade chip. Kind of like Deuce with his current contract. Its another reason development is important. They create opportunities (IQ).

I thought the graphic during the SAS game sunday that Spurs get so much production from drafted players while the knicks hardly get any was interesting. They were not critical, just said there were different paths.

If you could choose only one of Deuce and Alvarado who you got? Deuce’s next contract is going to hurt, could be time to move on and stick with the veteran minimum guy. Besides we have a guy who’s not really a point guard but too small to be a shooting guard named Brunson. I love Deuce but sometimes you can’t keep everybody. Mitch on the other hand isn’t going anywhere. If someone is going to do a team friendly contest it’s him.

With the cap situation I don’t see us keeping our FRP either. Maybe we just kick it down the road because going over that second apron looks like a bad way to go.

Variables aplenty!

What comes back if you trade Deuce? What about Pairing him with Josh? Lets go further, Add Mo' to the trade. What can return if we still in "win now" mode? While Mo' might be a great future, say Alex Saar and a second comes back. 3-1 are not easy but add those three to Wizards, and while not a contender, you are legit with upside. We get a young stud in return about ready to break out.

Just throwing out some ****, not a rumor or a well thought out scenario but speaks to "what if". Wiz have plenty of young guys on the rise, and Mo is in that. IM just throwing out a big old concept for talking point. Im not considering the details either.

The big on is how we finish, and taking the tempeture of the team. Perhaps its Mikal that gets traded? For whom would matter of course.

If Mo is ready for prime time im all for it.

Knixkik
Posts: 35682
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #11
USA
3/3/2026  12:05 PM    LAST EDITED: 3/3/2026  12:06 PM
Rookie wrote:
Nalod wrote:The kid is 20 and an opportunity is more valuable sometimes then some contracts. That he proved himself is one thing but he also owes the team the benefit of the doubt given few contending teams let rookies do what he is doing. With the right coach and staff in place that is very important than say go to a **** team with cap space and take nice 2 year-3 year deal. He is learning, surrounded by a mature group of players, and thriving. So rare this happens. Ask Frank. Ask Trier. Frank was drafted into chaos and he failed to execute. Trier was given a golden ticket/contract and was never to be seen again. Shit happens for many reasons. Not just Knicks either.

I know we all excited about his upside and if true the money will come regardless. Im not saying he ownes us a debt of graditude he should repay to his detriment. He, his agent, and the knicks had a plan and he fulfilled/executed his end wonderfully. Relationships that work are rare and I gather this FO, lead by an very smart former agent knows how to lay it all out to everyones benefit.

Maybe what we miss is we don't bring everyone back thus creating salary spots that can be filled. ON the surface Mitch and perhaps Josh could be gone. I don't know how our FO feels about Giannis and at what price. That itself will create massive change.

While there is value in running it back one more year with this core under Brown if there is still a higher ceiling with the same group, one can also say if we don't go to finals with Mitch and Josh, then maybe there is another path?
Same with KAT, OG and Mikal I suppose.

I don't see it, but all things I gather are on the table. That also includes at some level and in time Diawa becomming a really good trade chip. Kind of like Deuce with his current contract. Its another reason development is important. They create opportunities (IQ).

I thought the graphic during the SAS game sunday that Spurs get so much production from drafted players while the knicks hardly get any was interesting. They were not critical, just said there were different paths.

If you could choose only one of Deuce and Alvarado who you got? Deuce’s next contract is going to hurt, could be time to move on and stick with the veteran minimum guy. Besides we have a guy who’s not really a point guard but too small to be a shooting guard named Brunson. I love Deuce but sometimes you can’t keep everybody. Mitch on the other hand isn’t going anywhere. If someone is going to do a team friendly contest it’s him.

With the cap situation I don’t see us keeping our FRP either. Maybe we just kick it down the road because going over that second apron looks like a bad way to go.

I think the choice isn’t between Jose and Deuce, it’s between Shamet and Deuce. Both operate as 3 and D guards. Shamet can play up but Deuce provides more ball handling. Deuce is better overall but will get paid more. Outside of our starting 5, I think Alvarado, Mitch and Diawara come back and the final rotation spot is either shamet or Deuce as a 3&D guy. Then they will just fill out the roster on minimum contracts and rookie contracts. Ultimately the Deuce/ shamet decision comes down to money. If shamet is fine coming back cheap, great. If he wants to get paid, he’s probably gone and the Knicks shift focus to a deuce extension. This is all assuming no major trade. Obviously a trade changes things.

martin
Posts: 79145
Alba Posts: 108
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #2
USA
3/3/2026  12:59 PM
Official sponsor of the PURE KNICKS LOVE Program
Blade37db
Posts: 20028
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 7/14/2022
Member: #9047

3/3/2026  1:26 PM
Rookie wrote:
Nalod wrote:The kid is 20 and an opportunity is more valuable sometimes then some contracts. That he proved himself is one thing but he also owes the team the benefit of the doubt given few contending teams let rookies do what he is doing. With the right coach and staff in place that is very important than say go to a **** team with cap space and take nice 2 year-3 year deal. He is learning, surrounded by a mature group of players, and thriving. So rare this happens. Ask Frank. Ask Trier. Frank was drafted into chaos and he failed to execute. Trier was given a golden ticket/contract and was never to be seen again. Shit happens for many reasons. Not just Knicks either.

I know we all excited about his upside and if true the money will come regardless. Im not saying he ownes us a debt of graditude he should repay to his detriment. He, his agent, and the knicks had a plan and he fulfilled/executed his end wonderfully. Relationships that work are rare and I gather this FO, lead by an very smart former agent knows how to lay it all out to everyones benefit.

Maybe what we miss is we don't bring everyone back thus creating salary spots that can be filled. ON the surface Mitch and perhaps Josh could be gone. I don't know how our FO feels about Giannis and at what price. That itself will create massive change.

While there is value in running it back one more year with this core under Brown if there is still a higher ceiling with the same group, one can also say if we don't go to finals with Mitch and Josh, then maybe there is another path?
Same with KAT, OG and Mikal I suppose.

I don't see it, but all things I gather are on the table. That also includes at some level and in time Diawa becomming a really good trade chip. Kind of like Deuce with his current contract. Its another reason development is important. They create opportunities (IQ).

I thought the graphic during the SAS game sunday that Spurs get so much production from drafted players while the knicks hardly get any was interesting. They were not critical, just said there were different paths.

If you could choose only one of Deuce and Alvarado who you got? Deuce’s next contract is going to hurt, could be time to move on and stick with the veteran minimum guy. Besides we have a guy who’s not really a point guard but too small to be a shooting guard named Brunson. I love Deuce but sometimes you can’t keep everybody. Mitch on the other hand isn’t going anywhere. If someone is going to do a team friendly contest it’s him.

With the cap situation I don’t see us keeping our FRP either. Maybe we just kick it down the road because going over that second apron looks like a bad way to go.

Deuce!
He's younger, will make slightly less $ next year, offers more defensively (specifically size and length) and can do a lot more offensively.
I like Jose, but gun to my head between the 2, I'm keeping Deuce

martin
Posts: 79145
Alba Posts: 108
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #2
USA
3/3/2026  1:28 PM
Official sponsor of the PURE KNICKS LOVE Program
Mo Diawara could/should eventually be the missing piece

©2001-2025 ultimateknicks.comm All rights reserved. About Us.
This site is not affiliated with the NY Knicks or the National Basketball Association in any way.
You may visit the official NY Knicks web site by clicking here.

All times (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time.

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy