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Report: Knicks to sign Thanasis Antetokounmpo

20141220 Westchester Knicks at Maine Red Claws

PORTLAND, ME - DECEMBER 20: Thanasis Antetokounmpo #43 of the Westchester Knicks handles the ball against the Maine Red Claws on December 20, 2014 at the Portland Expo in Portland, Maine. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Rich Obrey/NBAE via Getty Images)

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The Knicks waived Ricky Ledo, dropping their roster to 14 players (including Darion Atkins and Wesley Saunders who are likely headed to New York’s D-League affiliate).

So, as his agent indicated, the Knicks will finally sign Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

Marc Berman of the New York Post:

Ledo’s axing is expected to pave the way for the long-awaited signing of Antetokounmpo, according to sources.

Antetokounmpo – brother of the Bucks’ Greek Freak – was the No. 51 pick in the 2014 draft. He spent last season in the D-League, graciously giving the Knicks more time to evaluate him without him counting toward the cap, taking up a roster spot or making a high salary.

He’s an energy player whose length and athleticism give him nice defensive potential. As far as projects go, the Knicks have one who probably warrants further investment.

Depending on order of transactions, New York might have a sliver of cap space, which it could to sign Antetokounmpo to a three- or four-year contract. The final seasons surely wouldn’t be fully guaranteed, and a long-term deal would give the Knicks value if Antetokounmpo pans out. If they don’t have space, they’d be limited to a two-year deal with the room exception or minimum-salary exception.