New York Knicks owned James Nnaji situation, hidden part of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade could finally pay off

How James Nnaji’s rights made it to the Knicks

James Nnaji was selected with the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. His rights were immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets.

In late 2024, Nnaji’s rights were traded to the New York Knicks as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns deal, which actually involved three teams.

As part of the same deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks and Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York brought the Charlotte Hornets into the deal to free up cap space.

This involved Charlie Brown Jr., DaQuan Jeffries, Duane Washington, and three second-round picks being sent to the Hornets.

In exchange the Knicks received the rights to James Nnaji, who has continued to play in Spain for Barcelona.

James Nnaji ready to leave Europe

James Nnaji’s stint in Barcelona is set to end. He intends to head to the US to play in the NBA.

SoloBasket.com reports: “James Nnaji no longer wants to continue at Barca Basket and has informed the club of this in the last few hours.

“Despite having a contract with the club until the summer of 2027, the young Nigerian center believes he will not be important in Joan Peñarroya’s plans and wants to continue his career in the United States.”

This is an added bonus for the New York Knicks, who have two options at hand when it comes to James Nnaji.

New York Knicks have two choices with James Nnaji

The first simple option for the New York Knicks is to get James Nnaji in with the organization, and assess him.

This could involve utilizing Nnaji in Summer League, or next season with the G League Westchester Knicks, or if they believe him to be ready, make him part of their bench rotation.

Some of this will depend on how their roster shakes out during free agency, and the critical question, who will be the Knicks’ new head coach.

Nnaji might not even make it to the Knicks. The 20-year-old plays at a position that is in high demand across the NBA this summer.

It is very possible the Knicks could throw Nnaji into a trade, with his value higher as he is finally leaving Europe. There could be multiple teams interested.

Nnaji is an intriguing, yet untested talent, and next season one NBA team will begin to learn more about what he has to offer. Right now the Knicks are in control, but they may choose to give this up.