After officially signing former Chicago Bulls guard Ryan Arcidiacono to a 10-day contract, the New York Knicks bring in another ex-Bull.
The Knicks acquired Denzel Valentine and the draft rights to center Wang Zhelin and Brad Newley in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks essentially pocketed $1.1 million for participating in the deal that will land the Cavaliers Rajon Rondo. The Lakers received Knicks’ French stash Louis Labeyrie who may never play in the NBA, thus opening a roster spot.
The Knicks have waived Wayne Selden, currently in the health and safety protocols, to absorb Valentine’s partially guaranteed contract.
The 14th overall pick in 2016, Valentine averaged 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over four seasons with the Bulls. The former Michigan State standout enjoyed his best NBA season in 2017-18, averaging 10.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
The Knicks have until Jan. 7 to guarantee the $1 million of Valentine’s $1.9 million salary this season. There are rumors that Valentine will be waived to convert Arcidiacono’s 10-day deal into a regular NBA contract.
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