The Knicks’ presumptive starting point guard, Jose Calderon, turns 34 before the season. They surely don’t want to tax him during training camp.
Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway are young enough to handle plenty of reps, but Galloway might see time at shooting guard. Grant can’t handle it all on his own.
So, the Knicks will sign Travis Trice, a steady point guard who played four seasons at Michigan State.
Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports:
The Knicks have agreed to a partially guaranteed one-year deal with undrafted Michigan State guard Travis Trice, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 10, 2015
The Knicks have 13 players with guaranteed salaries plus Galloway, who’s a lock to make the regular-season roster. That leaves one spot for Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Wesley Saunders, Darion Atkins or Trice.
Trice’s 6-foot frame and age significantly limit his upside, but he’s a solid shooter and passer. It’s possible the Knicks like his dependability only so he can practice without mucking things up for the players they actually plan to keep. But it also gets Trice’s foot in the door and gives him an opportunity to impress.
If Galloway slides to shooting guard regularly, Trice could stick as the third point guard.
If not, expect the Knicks to waive Trice and assign his D-League rights to their affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.