The New York Knicks just landed Ochai Agbaji, a 6-foot-5 ex-Cleveland Cavaliers guard, signing him to an Exhibit 9 deal! This move, one of several underrated roster adjustments, is all about potentially helping Jalen Brunson light it up even more during the 2026-27 season. Training camp is right around the corner, and the stakes for this guy are already sky-high.
From NCAA Champ to NBA Journeyman
Let’s rewind a bit. Agbaji isn’t just some random pickup. This dude captured an NCAA title with Kansas as a senior, showcasing that winning pedigree we love to see. He came into the 2022 NBA Draft as a surefire first-round pick, and the Cavaliers snagged him 14th overall. But get this: he was traded to the Utah Jazz *before his rookie season even started*! Talk about a whirlwind start to an NBA career.
After spending a season and a half with the Jazz, Agbaji got flipped again, this time heading to the Toronto Raptors alongside Kelly Olynyk. In return, the Jazz got Kira Lewis Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and a 2024 first-round pick. Here’s where it gets interesting for us: the 2024-25 campaign, rocking the Raptors jersey, was his absolute best in the big leagues. His promising three-and-D potential? It was on full display, big time! He averaged 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, shooting a scorching 49.8% from the field and 39.9% from beyond the arc in 64 contests. That’s the guy, with that kind of impact, the Knicks are hoping to unleash.
A Bet on Potential for the Surging Knicks
Now, let’s be real for a second. Agbaji’s three-point shooting took a significant hit with the Brooklyn Nets this past season, dropping to 26.6%. That’s a brutal drop, no question, and it probably made some fans raise an eyebrow. But here’s the kicker, and why we should be pumped: our surging Knicks organization is still comfortable giving him a chance! An Exhibit 9 deal might not sound like a huge splash, but it means he gets to compete for an opening-night roster spot. That’s a real opportunity, and the Knicks aren’t afraid to bet on potential.
This isn’t just a random flyer; it’s a strategic move, confirmed by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto on X/Twitter. The goal is crystal clear: find a player who can potentially assist Jalen Brunson. Our star needs talent around him, a reliable two-way presence who can hit shots and play defense. Agbaji, with his 7.2 points average across four NBA seasons, especially considering that incredible 2024-25 peak, could absolutely be that guy. The Knicks are looking for that specific piece, that impactful addition to solidify our backcourt.
So, what’s next? Training camp is basically here, and Agbaji will be battling hard for that opening-night spot. Can he shake off that recent shooting slump and get back to his 2024-25 form? Can that three-and-D potential truly emerge and become a consistent weapon for the Knicks? We’ll be watching every drill, every shot, every defensive stop. This signing isn’t just another roster move; it’s a high-stakes gamble on a player who has shown flashes of brilliance, and the Knicks are ready to see if he can make Jalen Brunson’s life a whole lot easier.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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