The New York Knicks are not playing around with their training camp roster, making some serious moves to fine-tune things as we blast toward next Monday’s preseason opener. On Wednesday morning, the team dropped a bunch of roster news: waiving John Konchar and N’Faly Dante, signing Tony Bradley to an Exhibit 9 contract, bringing Jaden Akins in on a two-way deal, and signing and waving Toby Okani in some savvy G League maneuvering. It’s a lot, but the biggest headline here has gotta be the Bradley signing.
Tony Bradley: The Journeyman’s Wild Ride Back to NYC
Talk about a full-circle moment! You might remember Tony Bradley from his reserve minutes with the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks in the last two postseasons. He was picked 28th overall by the Lakers in the 2017 draft, straight outta UNC, and now he’s trying to make the roster for his seventh team. Can you believe that? His career has been a rollercoaster, man. He barely played his first two seasons with the Jazz, then became a solid bench guy in 2019-20. After that? Total journeyman status.
This dude was traded *twice* in one week before the 2020-21 season, going from Utah to Detroit to Philly. Then he got shipped out again in March 2021 to the Thunder in a three-team deal that actually involved the Knicks , yeah, the Austin Rivers trade! He went off for 20 games with OKC down the stretch, putting up 8.7 points and 6.1 rebounds, which was the best run of his career. He suited up for 55 games with the Bulls in 2021-22, but hasn’t cracked more than 41 games in a season since.
His recent history with the Knicks is wild, though. He joined the Pacers in 2024, rolling with them to the NBA Finals as their third center. He actually played 38 total minutes against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals and guess what? He was a plus-15 in that “fairly minor action.” Then he landed with Atlanta midway through the 2025-26 season, played four games in that first-round series against the Knicks too, but was notably a minus-17 in the Game 5 blowout. Talk about hot and cold! Plus, get this, he was traded by the Lakers on draft night for Josh Hart and Thomas Bryant. And in that Philly deal in 2020, it was for Zhaire Smith, the lottery bust the Sixers infamously chose over Mikal Bridges. The connections run deep!
Akins Joins, Roster Gets Leaner Ahead of Preseason
While Bradley’s story is the one grabbing headlines, the Knicks also inked Jaden Akins to a two-way contract. That’s a smart move for a team looking to develop talent and give guys a shot to contribute. With the waiving of John Konchar and N’Faly Dante, along with the signing and waiving of Toby Okani for some G League moves, it’s clear the Knicks are tightening up their roster as preseason looms. These are the kinds of moves teams make when they’re serious about setting the right tone from day one.
So, what’s next? The Knicks hit the court for their preseason opener next Monday. For Tony Bradley, it’s a chance to prove he belongs on an NBA roster after a career of ups and downs, especially with all his history against his new team. For Akins, it’s about seizing that two-way opportunity. And for the Knicks, it’s about starting strong and seeing how these new pieces fit. It’s go time, and these early moves are setting the stage for what should be a super interesting season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
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