Knicks Rumors: Center Ariel Hukporti Lands 2-Year Contract amid Giannis Trade Buzz

The New York Knicks and rookie center Ariel Hukporti agreed to a standard two-year contract that includes a team option on Monday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The Knicks selected Hukporti with the No. 58 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, initially handing him a two-way contract on July 8.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that “more than one rival team” has “wondered aloud” whether New York acquired All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns to later use him in a potential deal for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Hukporti has been on the floor for just 29 minutes across four games this season, recording seven rebounds and four blocks.

He showcased his athletic finishing ability and shot-blocking instincts in the preseason, averaging 4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game while shooting 63.6 percent from the field.

Hukporti could gradually receive a larger role as the season progresses, especially with former starting center Mitchell Robinson expected to be out until Jan. 2025 as he recovers from multiple ankle surgeries (via Charania).

ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that New York must reach the minimum roster requirement of 14 players by Tuesday, with Hukporti owning the 13th roster spot. Potential candidates with NBA experience could be shooting guards Landry Shamet and Matt Ryan, as both players were selected with the top two picks in the 2024 G League draft by the Knicks’ affiliate on Oct 26.

While a potential trade push for Antetokounmpo would be surprising, team president Leon Rose has been active throughout the past year. After acquiring OG Anunoby ahead of the 2023-24 deadline, New York added Mikal Bridges in a blockbuster July 6 deal with the Brooklyn Nets before the aforementioned Towns trade.

As Rose attempts to improve the Knicks even further, Hukporti received a new standard contract from the team and could be a candidate for increased playing time moving forward.