The Knicks have added five veterans to their camp competition, but salary restrictions leave a narrower path to the regular-season roster.
The New York Knicks are bringing competition to training camp as they prepare to defend their NBA championship.
Bruce Brown, James Wiseman and Ochai Agbaji have joined John Konchar and Drew Eubanks among the veterans seeking a roster spot. All five are on nonguaranteed Exhibit 9 contracts.
Those deals provide an audition rather than a secured place on the regular-season team.
New York has 13 standard contracts. Although that leaves two openings beneath the 15-player maximum, its position near the second apron allows only one additional player without moving salary, the Post reported.
Jun 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard JalenBrunson(11) and center Karl-AnthonyTowns(32) come off the floor during the first quarter during game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThe distinction makes this competition more consequential than the number of invitations might suggest. Several experienced players are pursuing a very limited opportunity.
Established core meets a crowded camp
Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns remain central to the Knicks’ roster. Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado are among the returning backcourt options.
The new competition spans several different needs:
| Camp addition | Primary position |
|---|---|
| Bruce Brown | Guard/wing |
| Ochai Agbaji | Guard/wing |
| John Konchar | Guard/wing |
| Drew Eubanks | Center |
| James Wiseman | Center |
Brown, Agbaji and Konchar offer perimeter options, while Eubanks and Wiseman give New York additional centers to evaluate.
Jun 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) drives to the basket while surrounded by New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8), Knicks guard Josh Hart (3), Knicks guard JalenBrunson(11), and Knicks center Karl-AnthonyTowns(32) during game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThat creates a decision involving roster balance as much as individual performance.
The strongest scorer in a camp scrimmage will not necessarily address the team’s biggest need. New York must consider which player could enter a regular-season game and perform a useful assignment alongside its established rotation.
There is also value in finding someone who can contribute through an unpredictable schedule. Injuries, foul trouble and rest can quickly turn an end-of-bench player into a necessary part of a lineup.
Perimeter depth or another big?
The perimeter candidates will need to demonstrate that they can support an offense already organized around established creators.
Apr 28, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard JalenBrunson(11) talks to center Karl-AnthonyTowns(32) during the third quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesThat means moving the ball, taking available shots and maintaining spacing without needing repeated touches. Defensive reliability could help separate players whose offensive opportunities would likely be limited.
The centers face a different audition.
With Towns and Andre Drummond already in place, Eubanks and Wiseman must show what additional coverage they could provide.
Screening, rebounding, defensive positioning and finishing will be useful measures. A reserve center must help a lineup function even when no plays are designed specifically for him.
Jan 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-AnthonyTowns(32) and guard JalenBrunson(11) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe Knicks should also consider how each candidate responds to a smaller role. A championship roster needs reserves who remain prepared through stretches without consistent minutes.
Unless New York changes its salary commitments, this camp battle will require a difficult cut among players with NBA experience.
The signings give the Knicks options. Camp will determine which option best protects the rotation and fills the gap they are least equipped to cover.
