Guard Trevor Keels has re-signed with the Knicks on a two-way deal, per Keith Smith of Spotrac (via Twitter). According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, it’s a one-year contract (Twitter link).
The 42nd pick of the 2022 draft after one college season at Duke, Keels spent his rookie season on a two-way contract with the Knicks, who gave him a qualifying offer last month in order to make him a restricted free agent. Based on the reported terms, it seems likely that Keels simply accepted his one-year QO in order to return to New York.
Still just 19 years old (he turns 20 in late August), Keels only appeared in three games for the Knicks in 2022/23 for a total of eight minutes. He was a starter for their G League affiliate in Westchester, however, averaging 13.9 points, 3.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 steal with a .425/.355/.710 shooting line in 25 regular season games (30.2 minutes per contest).
Once their two-way deal with Nathan Knight is official, the Knicks will have all three two-way slots filled, as former Overtime Elite guard Jaylen Martin occupies the third. That means Duane Washington might be the odd man out — he was given a qualifying offer last month, but the Knicks won’t have any spots available.
I thought it would be Washington
So what happens if Washington signs his QO tonight? :-)
Keels is a tough kid. Has good size for a SG, is thick. Plus he plays D. You know Thibs is watching him. He has a chance to move up. Just keep playing and learning. Heat are not only franchise that can build talent. Knicks have been doing it too. Their picks have been late first rd or second rd picks. All are doing well and still getting better …..
Grimes, Quickley, McBride, Simms, now —
Keels, Brown Jr, Martin ……. Roby will get a shot