The New York Knicks are already working towards building their roster for their title defense just a few days after parading around the city as champions.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Knicks are signing Mo Diawara to a four-year deal.
“Restricted free agent Mohamed Diawara intends to sign a multiyear, $10-plus million deal to return to the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. Diawara — the No. 51 pick in last year’s NBA draft — was part of the champion Knicks after spending the season
on a standard contract,” Charania tweeted.
Diawara, 21, could have signed a four-year deal as a rookie, but he bet on himself and agreed to a one-year contract worth just over $1.2 million. Diawara bet on himself, hoping that he could prove to the Knicks that he was worth a long-term deal, and he did just that.
Diawara appeared in 69 games for the Knicks in his rookie year, averaging 3.6 points per game. He also made seven starts during the year, proving that the organization was high on him from the start.
While Diawara isn’t expected to be part of the Knicks’ championship core, he is a depth piece the team can have in their backpocket for the next four years.
The Knicks hope Diawara can continue to improve with the development of the coaching staff, and he can emerge into a true regular option for the team.
P&T community, what do you think of Diawara’s new deal with the Knicks? Let us know in the comments section below.
