The New York Knicks just snatched an NBA championship, right? You’d think they’d be kicking back, celebrating hard, but nope. These champs are already looking to sharpen their edge, and get this: they might be scooping up a 7-year veteran, John Konchar, who just got waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sounds wild, doesn’t it? Picking up a waived guy right after winning the whole dang thing? But trust me, there’s a super smart play happening here for the reigning titleholders.
Wolves Make Tough Call, Konchar Hits Free Agency
Minnesota has been absolutely buzzing with activity lately, especially after locking down Jonathan Kuminga. To pull that off and make other roster magic happen, they had to make some tough choices, and that meant a trade. The Timberwolves sent Josh Green and some cash over to the Utah Jazz. What did they get back? Cody Williams, who was the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft, and our guy Konchar. The plan was clear as day from the start: Minnesota was going to keep Williams, but Konchar was earmarked for a “waive-and-stretch” move. This whole maneuver lets them spread his guaranteed salary out over multiple seasons. And talk about timing! That Saturday was the absolute last day to waive a player and stretch their salary, Shams Charania reported for ESPN. NBA insider Brett Siegel confirmed the news, letting everyone know the Timberwolves had officially cut Konchar, making him a hot commodity on the free agent market.
Why The Champs Need A “Glue Guy” Spark
Now, this is where the plot thickens for New York. SI’s Isaiah De Los Santos is already out there saying the Knicks absolutely could, and maybe should, sign Konchar. And honestly, he’s not wrong! Think about it: even after winning a title, a team can’t just coast. The Knicks are apparently worried that just “running things back” with the exact same crew could lead to “stagnation” or even make their “flaws become even more troublesome” next season. That’s championship-level thinking right there. The perfect antidote? Bringing in fresh blood to keep everyone on their toes. Konchar isn’t some All-Star, but he’s a proven, high-motor veteran who brought a serious spark as a key reserve in Memphis. He’s the ultimate glue guy, connects plays, and gets that second unit humming. Plus, he’s earned $21 million in his career and he’s a capable perimeter shooter when you need it. Every single team needs a guy like that.
The Knicks still have two roster spots open, and you know they’re being super patient, making sure every addition is the right fit. Konchar? He definitely fits the bill. This guy isn’t just a bench warmer; he’s a valuable addition who could keep that championship squad hungry and locked in. If New York goes through with this, they’re not just getting a player; they’re making a strategic move to stay at the top. Keep your eyes peeled on the free agency wires; the champs aren’t done cooking yet!
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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