Over the past few years, the New York Knicks have made some questionable moves when it comes to player signings and roster changes. Therefore, it isn't a surprise that they haven't had much playoff success lately. In fact, the last time the Knicks played a playoff game was during the 2012/2013 season when they got knocked off in the first round.
Last season they finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 31-51 record. This resulted in Phil Jackson getting fired by the Knicks organization, and there are many rumors and speculations about Carmelo Anthony's potential departure as well.
Earlier this month it was reported that the team signed a multi-year deal with Tim Hardaway Jr., and on Wednesday the Knicks acquired another young player.
Baker stays in New York
The news was first reported by ESPN, and reportedly Ron Baker and the New York Knicks have agreed to a two-year deal. Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the deal will be worth around $8.9 million and Baker will have the player option for the final year of the contract. He was a restricted free-agent this summer, and it is still unknown if he had drawn interest from other teams around the league, before re-signing with the Knicks.
Restricted free agent Ron Baker's deal to stay with the Knicks: Two-years, $8.9M, including a player option, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 11. srpnja 2017.
Baker is a second-year guard from Wichita State, and he played 52 games for New York last season.
He played an average of 16.5 minutes per game and averaged 4.1 points and 2.1 assists per game last season. Baker came off the bench mostly during the 2016/2017 campaign, and since the Knicks drafted point guard Frank Ntilikina this year, Baker will most likely continue to see limited playing time next season. He is a 6-foot-4, strong guard, with good defensive potential but limited offensive abilities.
The Knicks are looking at Baker, alongside with Porzingis and Hardaway, to be the leaders of the franchise in the years to come.
Dedmon headed to Atlanta
Michael C. Wright of ESPN reported on Wednesday that the Atlanta Hawks have signed a two-year deal with Dewayne Dedmon. Dedmon went undrafted and entered the league in 2013.
He played for the San Antonio Spurs last season, and in 76 games with the Spurs, he averaged 5.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Dedmon is a 7-foot, defensive-minded center with great energy and rebounding skills. He will join the Atlanta Hawks next season, as he signed a two-year deal worth $14 million. According to Dedmon's agent, he will have a player option for the second year of the contract with Atlanta.
