Intriguing 7-foot Knicks prospect James Nnaji leaving Europe for Summer League chance
The Knicks have an intriguing new big man in the mix.
James Nnaji informed Barcelona that he intends to leave and pursue a career in the U.S. with the Knicks, The Post confirmed.
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The Knicks acquired the rights to Nnaji from the Hornets as part of the three-team Karl-Anthony Towns trade last offseason.
He's already in New York and working out with the Knicks, his agent Gerard Raventos told The Post.
Nnaji expects to be with the team at Summer League with a chance to make the roster.
'Hopefully after [the Summer League], we can reach an agreement,' Raventos said.
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'That's the plan, from both sides. It's 50-50, it depends how he does. He's coming in great shape. … Everything will be based on his performances in the Summer League.'
The Knicks acquired James Nnaji's rights in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
Europa Press via Getty Images
The Hornets originally drafted Nnaji, still just 20 years old, with the 31st pick in the 2023 draft, and he opted to stay in Europe the last two seasons.
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A Nigerian native, he had some of the best measurables in the 2023 class.
According to his official draft measurables, he was listed at 7-foot and 251 pounds with a 7-foot-7 wingspan and 9-foot-4 standing reach at the time.
He spent most of last season on loan with Girona, averaging 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
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Nnaji also spent time with Turkish side Yukatel Merkezefendi Basket, where he averaged 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
The Knicks are likely to lose some of their frontcourt depth in Precious Achiuwa, who is a free agent.
James Nnaji in 2024.
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Beyond Towns and Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks also have Ariel Hukporti, who was selected with the No. 58 pick and the Knicks acquired on draft night last year, as a reserve big man.
He did not have much of a role last year as a rookie while also missing time with a knee injury. He averaged 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds in 25 games.
Barring a salary dump before June 30, the Knicks have very little ability to add new pieces in free agency. They won't have any cap space, and will only be able to sign players to a minimum contract or as part of the taxpayer's $5.7 million exception.
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Nnaji, who would likely not command more than a minimum contract, could represent one path for them to add new talent given those constraints.
His offensive game is clearly not yet polished, but he has the tools and physical makeup to develop into a strong rim protector and rebounder for a new head coach to consider.
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