...but I guess this means Thanasis Antetokounmpo turned down those offers from Italian clubs and wants to join the Westchester Knicks. Now: Will he actually go to training camp with the Knicks, as was reported? If not, the DubKnicks can work out a trade with Delaware to acquire him and that's that. New York will hold his draft rights and have him in pocket if and when they decide to sign him.
If Thanasis DOES come to training camp, then the Knicks better want to sign him immediately. Bringing Antetokounmpo to camp on a non-guaranteed deal punches the clock on New York's draft rights, meaning if the Knicks cut him out of camp, they would no longer hold his rights. That would be a waste.
Basically, as far as I can tell, the Knicks should let Thanasis skip camp and go straight to the D-League unless they want him on the 15-man roster (which, as things stand, is already full) immediately. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of the above.
Either way, I'm glad Thanasis will be stateside this season. I hope the Knicks make the moves necessary to keep him nearby.
his end I don't understand signing with Westchester. Massive risk
"Salaries remain flat: $25,500, $19,000 and $13,000 for the league's three player classifications, which means D-League players are virtually playing for free -- and a modest per diem on the road of $40 compared to $120 in the NBA -- although they do receive housing and insurance benefits."
On the other hand"I don’t know what promises Antetokounmpo made (many second rounders agree to play in the D-League or overseas before the draft, which increases the likelihood of being selected) or what New York can do for him (many teams in this position help their draft pick find work in exchange for him declining the required tender). But if nothing is on the table for him, Antetokounmpo should consider accepting the tender.
That would likely lead to him joining the team for training camp and, unless the Knicks make another move that trims the roster, getting waived before the regular season begins so they can reach the roster limit of 15 players.
Antetokounmpo would then become an unrestricted free agent. Considering he sipped to No. 51 in the draft, no NBA team would likely be beating down his door immediately. But if he excels in the D-League or overseas, he could negotiate with any NBA team rather than just the Knicks, an advantageous position.
After playing in the D-League last season, Antetokounmpo probably doesn’t need New York’s help to get another job there again this season. If the Knicks can secure him a more lucrative offer – in the D-League or Europe – than he could get on his own, that obviously changes the equation. But the onus should be on them to deliver before Antetokounmpo gives away his right to bargain with other teams around the NBA."
Apparently he got offers to play in Italy and turned them down. Â
I wonder if the Knicks wanted him in the D-League or Europe?
If Thanasis DOES come to training camp, then the Knicks better want to sign him immediately. Bringing Antetokounmpo to camp on a non-guaranteed deal punches the clock on New York's draft rights, meaning if the Knicks cut him out of camp, they would no longer hold his rights. That would be a waste.
Basically, as far as I can tell, the Knicks should let Thanasis skip camp and go straight to the D-League unless they want him on the 15-man roster (which, as things stand, is already full) immediately. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of the above.
Either way, I'm glad Thanasis will be stateside this season. I hope the Knicks make the moves necessary to keep him nearby.
If they bring him to camp, but have to cut him, their rights are lost.
If they sign him, he counts on the roster, even if he's in the d-league, which means the Knicks have to play 1 man short.
If he just signs with Westchester, the Knicks hold his rights
"Salaries remain flat: $25,500, $19,000 and $13,000 for the league's three player classifications, which means D-League players are virtually playing for free -- and a modest per diem on the road of $40 compared to $120 in the NBA -- although they do receive housing and insurance benefits."
On the other hand"I don’t know what promises Antetokounmpo made (many second rounders agree to play in the D-League or overseas before the draft, which increases the likelihood of being selected) or what New York can do for him (many teams in this position help their draft pick find work in exchange for him declining the required tender). But if nothing is on the table for him, Antetokounmpo should consider accepting the tender.
That would likely lead to him joining the team for training camp and, unless the Knicks make another move that trims the roster, getting waived before the regular season begins so they can reach the roster limit of 15 players.
Antetokounmpo would then become an unrestricted free agent. Considering he sipped to No. 51 in the draft, no NBA team would likely be beating down his door immediately. But if he excels in the D-League or overseas, he could negotiate with any NBA team rather than just the Knicks, an advantageous position.
After playing in the D-League last season, Antetokounmpo probably doesn’t need New York’s help to get another job there again this season. If the Knicks can secure him a more lucrative offer – in the D-League or Europe – than he could get on his own, that obviously changes the equation. But the onus should be on them to deliver before Antetokounmpo gives away his right to bargain with other teams around the NBA."