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Sports · Basketball · published 2026-08-28 · via Sports Illustrated

Knicks Scour Remaining Free Agent Big Men After Richards Signs with Heat

Image via Sports Illustrated
Image via Sports Illustrated

After Nick Richards agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, the New York Knicks are left with a thin market for a third center. The team has one roster spot available under the second apron and is considering several veteran big men. Ben Simmons, Tony Bradley, and Mason Plumlee are among the potential targets for a training-camp battle.

Expanded Detail

The Knicks have one roster spot available while staying under the second apron, and that spot appears earmarked for a big man. With Richards gone, the team may turn to a training-camp competition among veterans rather than a guaranteed contract.

Ben Simmons stands out as the highest-upside option, having drawn reported interest from the Knicks front office last summer. Other candidates include Tony Bradley, who split last season between Indiana and Atlanta, and Mason Plumlee, who played only 20 games due to groin surgery. Drew Eubanks and Bismack Biyombo round out the list of available veterans.

Context

This story could affect Knicks fans who follow roster construction closely, as the third-center role may determine the team's depth during the regular season. The decision could also influence how the team manages minutes for Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. For the veteran players involved, a training-camp invitation represents a chance to extend their NBA careers, while the Knicks' choice may signal their broader approach to roster building under salary-cap constraints.

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “8 Best Free Agents Left for Knicks With Nick Richards Off the Board.” Browse more stories.