Knicks Convert Hukporti’s Contract (and Is it Tyler Time?)

Kolek impressed in the Summer League and the preseason, so Knicks fans are understandably excited to see the youngster showcase his skills.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported Monday morning that rookie center Ariel Hukporti and the Knicks, as expected, have agreed on a two-year contract, which includes a team option for the 2025-26 season. 

Hukporti's deal is for the prorated rookie minimum. If he signs today, he will take home $1,070,699 this season, which will count toward New York's cap number and tax charge. (If the two sides wait until tomorrow to officially sign the deal, that cap hit will be roughly $6,000 less).

If the Knicks decline the option on the second year of the deal to increase their roster/financial flexibility this summer, Hukporti would still be a restricted free agent, allowing New York to match an offer he receives on the open market. 

Because the Knicks are hard-capped at the second apron, they did not have the cap space to sign two veterans. 

As we discussed in depth previously, the league's new Collective Bargaining Agreement requires each team to carry at least 14 players on their roster for the vast majority of the season. Each club is allowed to have fewer than 14 players for only 14 days at a time and for a maximum of 28 total days during the 2024-25 campaign.

The Knicks decided to use their first 14-day window at the start of the season, but that concludes tomorrow.

So, the Hukporti signing is but the first step. New York is also likely to announce the addition of Matt Ryan shortly.