Knicks Eye Young Center Julian Reese as Free Agent Option
The Knicks have stayed quiet in free agency, but Julian Reese became available after being waived and going unclaimed. Reese averaged 11.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 13 games with the Wizards last season. His youth and potential could prompt New York to make a signing before training camp.
Reese's brief NBA sample stands out statistically, as he grabbed 20 rebounds in a game during his first five career appearances—a feat matched only by Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan over the past four decades. However, his production came on a Washington squad that managed just one victory across his 13 outings, and his 6-foot-9 frame raises questions about his viability as a full-time center. No team claimed him off waivers, which tempers expectations.
The Knicks have deliberately avoided committing to available veterans like Nick Richards, Kelly Olynyk, and Mason Plumlee throughout August, instead waiting for younger options to emerge. New York previously pursued similar developmental bigs, including Moussa Diabate, Mousse Cissé, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matković. Reese could fit that mold as a low-cost addition via a two-way contract or non-guaranteed deal, with roster space available behind Andre Drummond.
This signing could ripple beyond the Knicks' roster, as young players on two-way deals often become developmental projects that shape a franchise's long-term depth. If Reese succeeds, other teams may adopt similar low-risk gambles on waived players rather than overpaying veterans. Fans and analysts following New York's center situation could see this as a signal of the front office's patience-driven philosophy, potentially influencing how other contenders approach late-offseason roster building.