The New York Knicks have secured a deal with one of their own, Miles McBride, amidst a trade involving two other players they had previously drafted. McBride, picked 36th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, has signed a three-year extension worth $13 million, per The Post.
The contract is fully guaranteed and structured to decrease in annual salary, benefiting McBride financially over its duration. Although his role with the Knicks has been limited since his draft, McBride, known for his defensive prowess, is expected to see more playtime following the departure of Immanuel Quickley.
According to SNY, McBride’s deal is structured with a higher annual salary in the first year. This arrangement is not a straight $4.3 million per season. The Knicks have a history of structuring contracts in this manner. The extension will commence in the 2024-25 season. Additionally, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, McBride’s contract has a six-month trade restriction clause, effective from December 30, 2023.
Quickley was part of a significant trade package to the Toronto Raptors, which now positions McBride as a likely first backup point guard behind Jalen Brunson.
The Knicks have also acquired 25-year-old point guard Malachi Flynn in the same trade, creating a competitive scenario for McBride for playing minutes.
In the wake of these changes, 23-year-old McBride recently logged a season-high 18 minutes in a game against the Pacers, scoring five points and providing one assist. His strong on-ball defense has drawn comparisons to Marcus Smart, although his offensive game, indicated by a 35 percent career shooting percentage, remains a work in progress.
McBride, who played college basketball at West Virginia, had a standout performance last season with a career-high 18 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Knicks’ recent trade, regarded as the most significant in the Leon Rose era, saw them sending Quickley and RJ Barrett to the Raptors in exchange for OG Anunoby, Flynn, and Precious Achiuwa.