The Knicks made two roster moves over the weekend, signing sharpshooter Matt Ryan (no, not the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback) and converting rookie center Ariel Hukporti’s two-way deal into a standard NBA contract. With these additions, New York now has 14 players under contract as they navigate the salary cap and look toward roster flexibility for potential moves down the line.
Why the Knicks Made These Moves
Ariel Hukporti: Strengthening Depth in the Frontcourt
Drafted with the 58th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Hukporti — a 6-foot-11, 246-pound German-Togolese center — has already capitalized on limited opportunities, especially with Mitchell Robinson (ankle surgery) and Precious Achiuwa (hamstring strain) sidelined. Behind Karl-Anthony Towns, Jericho Sims has served as the primary backup, but despite his explosive leaping ability, Sims has yet to deliver consistently and is still searching for his breakout moment.
In his brief on-court stints, Hukporti has showcased a strong frame, quick decision-making out of the high post, and an aggressiveness that adds a much-needed physicality to the Knicks’ interior defense. His three blocks in just 29 minutes of play stand out compared to Sims’ three blocks over 84 minutes, demonstrating his rim-protecting potential. With Achiuwa expected back soon, Hukporti’s immediate role may be limited, but the Knicks are encouraged by his potential and locked him into a minimum contract.
Matt Ryan: Sharpshooting to Replace Perimeter Depth
With Landry Shamet sidelined indefinitely due to a preseason shoulder injury, the Knicks needed another outside threat. Ryan fills that role, fresh off a season where he shot 45.1 percent from three-point range with the New Orleans Pelicans. Standing at 6-foot-7, he provides a bit more size on the perimeter than Shamet, though he doesn’t bring the same defensive versatility that earned Shamet a spot in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.
Ryan’s defensive reliability will be key in determining his minutes on a team with championship aspirations. Scheduled to earn $1.9 million this season, Ryan’s contract is non-guaranteed until January 10, giving the Knicks flexibility if other roster needs arise.
Roster and Payroll Breakdown
The Knicks’ payroll now sits at $188.4 million for the season, just $525,872 below the $188.9 million second apron that caps their spending due to aggregated salaries in the Mikal Bridges and Towns trades.
Here’s a breakdown of the Knicks’ payroll for the 2024-25 season:
- Karl-Anthony Towns: $49,205,800
- OG Anunoby: $36,637,932
- Jalen Brunson: $24,960,001
- Mikal Bridges: $23,300,000
- Josh Hart: $18,144,000
- Mitchell Robinson: $14,318,182
- Precious Achiuwa: $6,000,000
- Miles McBride: $4,710,144
- Jericho Sims: $2,092,344
- Cameron Payne: $2,087,519
- Tyler Kolek: $2,087,519
- Matt Ryan: $1,989,558
- Pacome Dadiet: $1,808,080
- Ariel Hukporti: $1,064,049
Navigating the Second Apron Hard Cap
Being hard-capped at the second apron imposes strict roster-building restrictions for the Knicks, especially for a team in need of additional upgrades to remain competitive with the Boston Celtics and other top contenders.
These limitations include:
- No Salary Aggregation: The Knicks can’t combine salaries in a single trade.
- No Salary Increase in Trades: They can’t take back more than the outgoing salary in any deal.
- No Use of Trade Exceptions: Previous trade exceptions cannot be used, nor can new ones be created.
- No Sign-and-Trades: They’re unable to acquire players via sign-and-trade, though most of these deals occur in the offseason.
Creative Solutions for Roster Flexibility
Despite these restrictions, the Knicks have several options for navigating the cap:
- One-for-Two Trades: For example, they could trade Robinson ($14.3 million) for two players whose combined salaries equal or are less than his outgoing amount, creating more depth within the hard cap.
- Multi-Team Deals: The Knicks can also engage in three- or four-team trades, sending a player to each participating team. For instance, they could trade Sims for a second-round pick and, if necessary, move Kolek for a first-rounder. They could then leverage these draft picks to sweeten any offer involving Robinson or other players, opening cap space.
What’s Next for the Knicks?
With a front office led by Leon Rose and a salary-cap expert in Brock Aller at their disposal, the Knicks have shown they’re unafraid to get creative in pursuing a title.
The addition of Hukporti and Ryan adds depth and fills immediate needs while maintaining a level of flexibility. And with critical trade restrictions in place, the Knicks will need to use every tool in their kit as they build a roster aimed at delivering New York its first NBA championship since 1973.
