JULY 26: The Knicks have confirmed the signing of Windler and the previously reported release of Keels (Twitter link).
JULY 24: The Knicks are signing free agent wing Dylan Windler to a two-way contract, agents Andy Shiffman and Mark Bartelstein tell Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link).
The 26th pick of the 2019 draft, Windler spent all four of his NBA seasons with the Cavaliers, who chose not to give him a qualifying offer last month, making him an unrestricted free agent.
As Bobby Marks of ESPN observes (via Twitter), Windler would previously have been ineligible to receive a two-way contract, but a new provision in the CBA means he’s only counted as having three years of service because he missed his entire rookie season with an injury.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News (Twitter link), even though it was reported that Nathan Knight would receive a two-way deal (and confirmed by Bondy himself), the team’s press release didn’t specify that he actually received said two-way deal. However, NBA.com’s official transactions log has Knight on a two-way deal.
Knight’s contract situation is relevant because the Knicks would have all three two-way slots filled if the big man is indeed on a two-way deal. Jaylen Martin and Trevor Keels occupy the other two-way slots, while Duane Washington could still accept his two-way qualifying offer.
A source tells Fred Katz of The Athletic that Knight is on a one-year, two-way contract, so the Knicks will have to either convert one of their players on a two-way deal to a standard contract or release someone (Twitter links).
Windler, 26, only appeared in 84 games during his time with Cleveland, including three games for just 10 total minutes in 2022/23. He holds career averages of 3.3 PPG and 2.3 RPG in 11.7 MPG.
The former Belmont star played 11 regular season games (22.2 MPG) for the Cavs’ G League affiliate (the Cleveland Charge) last season, averaging 12.2 PPG and 5.9 RPG on .523/.407/.632 shooting.
But they’ve signed three guys this off-season to two ways lol I’m confused
Potentially, there could be 5, though 3’s the limit. The Knicks cannot rescind Duane Washington’s QO at this point, so if he signs it, they have to cut someone else. They can’t sign anyone else to a two-way without cutting another two-way player.
Do the Knicks really need another wing player?
It’s the G-league. You sign anyone you think has a chance to make it. His shooting is probably what they like.
His defense is his most underated aspect. He’s always hurt but his defense and length is sneaky good.
Bottom 10 first-round pick in the last 15 years
Kid had some potential coming out of college, but it’s obviously not worked out yet. Worth taking a chance on him showing something in Westchester to start the year.
Beautiful looking jump shot, and athletic. Anyway whatever is missing is missing. Almost 27.
padam
Is banned from trying to have a thought about the Knicks. Since all he wants is me.
You’re like Windler just hanging in there. Maybe get a a real response . Good luck bro
I liked Keels but does Windler have more potential. Don’t know much about him
In college Windler was the prototype for a 3 and D wing. As a bonus he was an excellent rebounder. In the NBA he has been hurt his entire career. He has the durability of Jell-O. Ticky tack injuries have been as big a problem for him as serious ones. He hasn’t regularly played basketball in 5 years. One has to wonder if he still has the skill which made him a first round pick?