The New York Knicks have a few roster spots left and may look to fill them with a veteran forward who was recently waived.
“The New York Knicks are among the teams who’ve expressed interest in signing free agent Davis Bertans,” tweeted HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto. Bertans, 31, has shot 39.6% from 3-point range in his career and played for Latvia in the FIBA Olympics Qualifying Tournament.
Bertans was a second-round pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, but his draft rights were traded from the Indiana Pacers to the San Antonio Spurs in the Kawhi Leonard deal. He stayed in Europe until 2016 when he joined the Spurs in the NBA. Since then, he’s played for the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and most recently the Charlotte Hornets.
After being waived by the Hornets, Bertans told BasketNews, “My main focus is [playing for Latvia] with this jersey on. In a way, I’m really happy that this right now is the only jersey that I wear.”
Bertans averaged 6.7 points per game in 43 appearances with the Thunder and Hornets last season. His eight seasons of NBA experience could greatly benefit the Knicks.
New York currently has three open roster spots. One might go to second-round rookie Kevin McCullar Jr., though he may end up on a two-way deal. The Knicks also need a center, but even if McCullar and a big man sign, there will still be one more roster spot open.
The Knicks have yet to replace veteran shooting guard Alec Burks, who signed with the Miami Heat during free agency. Adding Bertans could be a solution to that need.
