It is anticipated that the Mavericks will add defensive-oriented former Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina within the next few days, league sources inform Marc Stein of Substack (Twitter link).
Stein notes that Dallas had been eyeing Ntilikina even in the 2017 NBA draft lottery. But after the Knicks selected him with the eighth pick, the Mavericks pivoted to Dennis Smith Jr. with the No. 9 selection. Smith, who eventually was sent to the Knicks, is himself now a free agent.
During the 2020-21 season, Ntilikina earned $6.2 million in the fourth year of his rookie deal. This season, his deal will most likely be either a non-guaranteed deal or a veteran’s minimum. The Mavericks currently have 14 players under guaranteed deals, one player, Moses Brown, signed to a non-guaranteed contract, and both of their two-way contracts occupied.
The 6-4 reserve guard, still just 23, suited up for 33 games with the Knicks last season under head coach Tom Thibodeau. He averaged just 2.7 PPG and 0.9 RPG in 9.8 MPG. A talented defensive player, Ntilikina has yet to develop on the other end of the hardwood. He holds career averages of 5.5 PPG, 2.7 APG and 2.0 RPG.
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