Report: Knicks, Magic agree to sign-and-trade for Kyle O'Quinn; 4-year, $16-million deal
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Team president Phil Jackson now has a legitimate power forward he can feel confident in starting opening night, or, at the very least, a quality backup for both the four and five spots.
The New York Knicks have agreed to terms on a four-year, $16-million deal (opt out in fourth season) with restricted free agent Kyle O'Quinn following a sign-and-trade with the Orlando Magic, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
Orlando will receive the right to swap second-round picks in the 2019 NBA Draft, as well as cash considerations.
Playing under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden on a regular basis will be a homecoming of sorts for O'Quinn, who was born in the New York City borough of Queens.
In 51 appearances last season for the Magic, the 6-foot-10 O'Quinn averaged 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes of action, playing behind Nikola Vucevic and Tobias Harris in Orlando's frontcourt.
The 25-year-old Norfolk State alumnus is a hard-nosed, brute of a big who isn't afraid to use his 250-pound frame to his advantage. He did hit 12 3-pointers in 2014-15 after not nailing a single one (he only attempted four) during his first two years in the league, which shows he's not incapable of adding some range to his arsenal.
His mid-range game needs some work, though, after dropping just 32.7 percent of his attempts from 15-to-19 feet.
If Carmelo Anthony continues to see minutes at the four, O'Quinn will likely begin his first year with the Knicks as a backup to Robin Lopez, who is set to sign a four-year, $54-million deal with the team.
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