Ex-Orlando Magic forward Chuma Okeke has agreed to a deal with the New York Knicks, as reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Okeke, who turns 26 on August 18, was the 16th pick in the 2019 NBA draft from Auburn and spent his first four seasons with Orlando. The Magic made him an unrestricted free agent in June after not extending a qualifying offer.
Over his career of 189 regular-season games (55 starts), Okeke has averaged 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while playing about 20 minutes on average. His shooting stats include 38.3% from the field, 31.8% from three-point range, and a free-throw percentage of nearly 79%.
The New York Knicks have agreed to a deal with Chuma Okeke, league sources told @hoopshype. Okeke averaged 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20.3 minutes in four seasons with the Orlando Magic. At 25 years old, the former 16th pick of the 2019 NBA Draft has potential untapped upside
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto)
Last season wasn’t great for Okeke; he played just under ten minutes per game across 47 games (eight starts) and posted career lows in several categories: scoring (2.3 points), rebounding (1.7), assists (0.4), steals (0.2), three-point shooting percentage (28%), and free-throw percentage (57%).
Chuma Okeke’s Best Season
The highlight of Okekeโs time with the Magic came during the 2021-22 season when he averaged career highs: scoring at an average of nearly nine points per game, grabbing five rebounds per game, and achieving a notable defensive record with over one steal per match.
He ranked impressively in league stats that yearโ17th in total steals and sixth in steal percentage.
Challenges Ahead
Despite joining the Knicks’ roster under coach Tom Thibodeau, itโs uncertain how much playing time Okeke will get since New York has been busy strengthening their lineup after finishing second-best in their conference last season.
New Knick Chuma Okeke in the Garden January:
15 points
5-7 FG
4-5 three
Beat hottest team in NBA— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork)
Fans believe this could be an exciting move for both sides!
With losses like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alec Burks to free agencyโand trades involving Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, and Bojan Bogdanovicโthe Knicks needed depth that Okeke can provide.
Knicks’ Offseason Moves
New York had some significant wins this offseason by re-signing OG Anunoby and trading for Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn Netsโboth players expected to blend well with Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart.
If Okeke’s contract is guaranteed by the Knicks for next seasonโthen theyโll have all their main roster spots filled but still have two open two-way slots available for further additions or surprises!
