New York Knicks sign veteran reserve John Konchar

Konchar, 30, has carved a respectable career for himself since entering the Association as an undrafted free agent out of Indiana-Purdue Fort Worth in 2019. He has averaged 4.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in that span and made four postseason appearances with the Grizzlies.

Konchar was part of the highly publicized trade that sent Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah in February. Granted an extended opportunity with the meandering Jazz, Konchar averaged 9.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4,5 assists, and 2.0 steals over the final 11 games of the season.

The former Mastodon made history in the penultimate game of the season on April 10: pairing 11 points and rebounds with 10 assists, Konchar united with teammate Bez Mbeng to become the first pair of teammates to post triple-doubles off the bench.

That happening, ironically enough, came in a showdown with his former employers from Memphis.

Konchar also had a triple-double in the previous game against New Orleans and stands as one of four players in NBA history to post multiple triple-doubles off the bench in one season. That unique brotherhood also features Clyde Drexler, Evan Turner, and Russell Westbrook.

Konchar’s reported arrival comes on a day when the Knicks made a hodgepodge of moves for the bottom of their depth chart, alternately signing and waiving several players to Exhibit 10 contracts. All three of the Knicks’ two-way contract slots are currently open.

The signing of Konchar comes as the Knicks ponder the long-term fate of sixth man stalwart Miles “Deuce” McBride, who is entering the final year of a three-season contract extension granted in December 2024.

Questions about a McBride extension will no doubt linger as the Knicks continue to commit to staying under the restrictive second salary apron.

SNY insider Ian Begley recently noted that McBride and his representatives remain in “regular contact” with the Knicks but notes that his current status makes him “one of the most valuable trade chips in the league.”