New York Knicks Sign Former Phoenix Suns Guard

Despite a fairly crowded backcourt, the New York Knicks have added even a little more guard depth, signing former Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns combo guard Duane Washington Jr. 

The Knicks are planning to sign guard Duane Washington Jr., on a two-way contract, sources tell ESPN. Washington averaged 7.9 points in nearly 13 minutes for Suns this season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 28, 2023

It's a two-way pact, according to NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski. The 22-year-old is in his second NBA season, and played 31 games with the Suns this year, averaging 7.9 points and 2.0 assists in about 12 minutes per game. He shot 36% from three-point range. He was waived by Phoenix back on Feb. 2nd.

Last season, the Pacers signed him as an undrafted free agent, playing him 20 minutes a night in 48 games. He averaged 9.9 points while shooting 37.7% from long distance. 

Washington Jr. will have a tough time finding minutes in coach Tom Thibodeau's rotation, behind Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley (and sometimes Miles McBride). Veteran Derrick Rose is of course also around, but has only received two minutes on the court in the last two months. 

In a corresponding move, the Knicks have assigned Trevor Keels to the Westchester Knicks of the G League.

Photo: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports