The New York Knicks have already made major changes before the official start of the offseason, and the news on former first-round draft pick James Nnaji is another bit that could have significant implications.
Nnaji was the No. 31 overall pick of the 2023 draft by the Detroit Pistons. He was traded to the Charlotte Hornets soon after, but has spent the past two seasons overseas.
The Knicks acquired his rights in the trade that landed Karl-Anthony Towns.
“Nnaji still has two years left on his contract with Barça. However, as he approaches his 21st birthday, and after two consecutive seasons in which he hasn’t performed as expected, the player has decided to change his career,” Diario Sport’s Marc del Río wrote on June 18.
“James Nnaji and his entourage have already informed Barça that the player’s intention is to leave the club.”
“They (Nnaji’s representatives) continue to believe that the player’s future lies in the United States,” del Río wrote of the Knicks’ young big man.
“That is why they are exploring all possible options to help Nnaji fulfill his dream.”
James Nnaji Ranked Among ‘Strongest’ Prospects in Draft Class
GettyBarcelona’s Nigerian center #23 James Nnaji tries to score past Panathinaikos Athens’ Polish forward #08 Aleksander Balcerowski during the Euroleague.
Nnaji averaged 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 14 appearances with Girona in league play in 2024-25.
His skill set was viewed as a strong fit for the NBA before the 2023 draft.
“James Nnaji has established himself as one of the top international prospects for the 2023 NBA Draft. Although he only played limited minutes on a deep, veteran team, he did at least get some ‘real’ minutes and often had a significant impact, even against Euroleague competition. His game may be limited but it should translate well to the NBA level,” former NBA scout Jason Filippi wrote in May 2023.
“Nnaji has NBA physical tools. Although he looks shorter than listed (more 6-foot-10 than 6-foot-11), he has a big strong mature body with long arms (7-foot-7 wingspan). He is one of the strongest players from a physical standpoint in the upcoming draft. He has decent mobility and runs the court quite well for size.”
A springy rim protector will always be a valued commodity on an NBA roster. Moreover, Nnaji’s transition could come at an ideal time for the Knicks.
Knicks Froncourt Could Be in Line for Makeover
GettyMitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against Thomas Bryant #3 of the Indiana Pacers during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
There have been early rumblings, largely speculative, about the Knicks exploring trade options for Towns this offseason after their uninspiring exit from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference Finals.
However, he is in Year 2 of a four-year, $220.4 million contract and was a key part of keeping the Knicks in the ECF.
Mitchell Robinson may be a more likely trade candidate.
He is entering the final year of a four-year, $60 million contract. While impactful when on the floor, he has battled injuries. However, Precious Achiuwa is also an unrestricted free agent this summer. Towns can play the 4. Nnaji could back up Robinson on the Knicks.
This offseason could bring even further changes to the Knicks roster. That leaves plenty of intrigue around how Nnaji fits in this coming season. That is, if he makes the roster.
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