September 16, 2026 • 3:02 PM EDT
Updated 5 hours ago
Training camp is usually uneventful for NBA rosters, but the New York Knicks are flipping the script this time. Instead of showing up with a set list of guaranteed contracts, the Knicks are adding genuine drama to their preseason. They just brought Bruce Brown on board with a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract, and that’s got the whole training camp picture looking spicy.
If you’re a Knicks fan hungry for a storyline, you’ve just got it. The team made Brown’s signing official and he will now enter camp fighting for a roster spot with a handful of other veterans. According to Yahoo Sports, Brown played all 82 games for Denver last season, averaging 7.9 points and knocking down 38.5 percent from three. That’s not just experience — that’s steady production, especially for a vet trying to squeeze onto a tight roster.
But Brown isn’t alone. Just a day before, the Knicks signed John Konchar to the exact same type of deal—another Exhibit 9 contract. They also did the same with Ochai Ogbagi and James Wiseman, both big men, earlier that week. Add in Drew Eubanks, and suddenly you’ve got a five-way brawl for (realistically) one roster spot. Sure, there’s technically two spots left and only 13 standard contracts, but owner James Dolan wants the Knicks below the second apron, so it’s almost sure to be just a single opening.
Last season, New York ran this script with Landry Shamet, who wound up nabbing the spot and contributing during the team’s championship run. That’s proof that whoever wins this year’s battle could end up playing a genuine role — and it reminds you that this isn’t just preseason filler; the guy who seizes the moment might end up mattering in big games down the road.
So what does all this mean for you? Well, if you’re looking to read the tea leaves for Knicks futures or depth chart odds, pay attention to how this camp unfolds. Will the Knicks opt for more guard depth with Brown or Konchar, or could a big like Wiseman or Ogbagi sneak in? The team’s history points to whoever performs best in camp — pure merit — grabbing the slot, so don’t be shocked if the usual “but they need a wing” talk ends up irrelevant.
Key developments shaping Knicks camp
- Bruce Brown signs a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract, joining Knicks camp.
- John Konchar, Ochai Ogbagi, James Wiseman, and Drew Eubanks all also heading to camp on similar deals.
- Despite two open spots and 13 guaranteed contracts, Knicks ownership is likely limiting actual openings to just one, to stay below the luxury tax apron.
- Last season’s Exhibit 9 vet, Landry Shamet, won the final spot and played a key role in a championship run.
What bettors need to watch
- Pay attention to preseason updates: the final roster spot is wide open and impacts depth predictions.
- Bettors targeting Knicks season props or depth bets should factor in this unresolved camp battle.
- Bruce Brown’s proven durability and shooting could make him a betting edge if he earns the spot.
- If the Knicks stick with a guard, expect more conservative depth usage to start the year; a big could hint at more aggressive lineups.
- The front office is showing flexibility, but ownership’s tax limits should guide your roster expectations.
- Look to see which camp invite outperforms — last year’s winner contributed all year.
- Don’t discount the possibility of late-camp movement or a surprise cut, but base your bets on current contract reality.
Who’s got the edge for the Knicks’ final spot?
The battle is real, and the eventual winner could make a bigger impact than most final-roster deals. It’s a must-watch camp, not just for fans but for anyone eyeing the Knicks’ odds for 2026-27.
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