Knicks prepared to battle Lakers for $30 million Nuggets veteran center originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Knicks have found their replacement for Mitchell Robinson, who signed a three-year, $47 million contract with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.
On Friday, the franchise signed 32-year-old veteran center Andre Drummond to serve as Karl-Anthony Towns’ backup in 2026-27. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks could follow up their Drummond signing with a deal for a 6-foot-11 Denver Nuggets veteran center.
“Knicks have secured agreement with free agent Andre Drummond, source confirms,” Begley wrote on X/Twitter. “Drummond, former Mount Vernon star, will be backup five for Karl-Anthony Towns after Mitchell Robinson’s exit.”
“Drummond has agreed to a one-year deal. First reported by HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto. “If he becomes free agent, Jonas Valanciunas is on NYK radar as 3rd center, per sources.”
The Knicks will face stiff competition for Valanciunas, though, as the Los Angeles Lakers are also interested in the former Toronto Raptors All-Rookie center after shipping Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards.
“The Lakers will now focus on finding Walker Kessler’s backup on the market — with centers such as Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kevon Looney among those being considered,” ESPN’s Shams Charania stated.
Athletic limitations aside, Valanciunas is a respectable low-post-oriented center who relies heavily on polished footwork and manipulation tactics (shot fakes, for instance) to finish around the rim. The 34-year-old contributed 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 65 contests with the Denver Nuggets last season in a backup role, connecting on 58.2% of his field goals.
If Looney becomes available, there’s a good chance Valanciunas could land with New York this month.
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