Kansas basketball’s Kevin McCullar Jr. signs two-way contract with New York Knicks

Former Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr. has signed a a two-way contract with the NBA’s New York Knicks, the team announced Monday. No terms were disclosed.

McCullar, a 6-foot-7, 212-pound, 23-year-old San Antonio native, was taken by the Phoenix Suns with the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft before being sent to New York in a trade.

McCullar was named first-team all-Big 12 in 2023-24 after after averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals over 34.2 minutes in 26 games his senior year. He started all 26 contests.

He scored a career-high 34 points on 61.1% shooting in a win over Yale on Dec. 22. As a junior, McCullar was named 2023 third-team all-Big 12 and to the 2023 Big 12 all-defensive team.

Prior to Kansas, McCullar played his first three collegiate years at Texas Tech, where he averaged 8.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals over 25.8 minutes in 78 games (49 starts).

As a two-way player, McCullar will play not only with the Knicks but the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.

According to hoopsrumors.com, New York has one two-way opening left on the roster. Ariel Hukporti is also on a two-way contract with the Knicks. The team also still has a two-way qualifying offer extended to Jacob Toppin.

McCullar could not compete in individual drills for teams before the draft because of a knee injury that sidelined him down the stretch of the 2023-24 college season. He had a surgical procedure on his knee after the season.

At the combine, McCullar met with reporters in attendance.

“I got a knee scope and everything structurally is good,” McCullar said. “But yes, going through the process (of rehab) now. It is what it is now. … I’m on the upward trajectory, getting better.”