The Knicks didn’t get Kevin Durant.
Their backup plan leaves plenty to be desired.
After agreeing to sign Julius Randle (three years, $63 million with a team option) and Taj Gibson (two years, $20 million), New York is adding yet another expensive big – Bobby Portis.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Free agent Bobby Portis has agreed to a two-year, $31M deal with the Knicks, agent Mark Bartelstein tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019
Fred Katz of The Athletic:
Wizards will rescind their qualifying offer to Bobby Portis to allow him to sign with the Knicks as an unrestricted free agent, a league source said.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 1, 2019
Portis reportedly rejected a $40 million-$50 million extension from the Bulls last year, believed to be over four years. It’s astounding he’s going to recover so much money over the next two years and could very well come out ahead.
But Knicks.
New York also has promising young big Mitchell Robinson. How will everyone get enough playing time? Plenty of two-big lineups that will limit spacing for R.J. Barrett, Kevin Knox and other perimeter players.
At least Portis can stretch the floor some. But he’s more impressive as a stretch center than a stretch power forward. The Knicks’ offense could get clunky.
