Knicks summoning Kris Wilkes for new physical in last hope
The Knicks have not fully closed the door on signing rookie Kris Wilkes for the start of training camp, according to multiple sources.
While it still appears doubtful the UCLA product will be ruled healthy enough, the club has decided to summon Wilkes for another physical in the next two weeks before completely ruling him out, reconsidering an earlier stance.
The Post reported Friday the Knicks had backed out of a verbal agreement to sign Wilkes to a two-way contract, but had interest in bringing him in when he was healthy enough. Training camp starts Sept. 30.
Wilkes, who was undrafted, and the Knicks verbally agreed to a two-way contract the day after the draft. He never signed the deal and the Knicks never announced his signing. However, president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry talked about the small forward at the June 21 press conference introducing draft picks RJ Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis.
Subsequently, the 6-foot-8 swingman did not attend the Las Vegas summer league in July with the Knicks announcing he had an illness. At the time sources said it wouldn’t affect his impending contract. Wilkes averaged 17.4 points last year as a sophomore for the Bruins.
For now, the Knicks aren’t seeking another two-way player until Wilkes is officially ruled out. Two-way contract players can play 45 days on the NBA team up until the G-League season ends in early April, after which there are no limits.
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