ROSTER BATTLE: Knicks Add Depth, ELEVATE Competition With Bruce Brown, John Konchar, James Wiseman

September 17, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Knicks Load Up on Camp Deals, Silver Addresses Blazers Future, and Late Offseason Moves Around the League

The New York Knicks signed five veteran free agents to Exhibit 9 contracts on Wednesday — Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, John Konchar, James Wiseman, and Drew Eubanks — all of whom were named among the best remaining free agents as recently as September 8th. The flurry of activity came as the defending champions sit just $3.2 million below the second apron, meaning at most one or two of these players will actually make the roster. But the fact that the Knicks could attract all five speaks to the leverage a title winner has in the late offseason market.

The Knicks' Roster Battle: One or Two Spots, Five Candidates

The Knicks already have a locked-in starting five — Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns — plus a deep bench that includes Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, Andre Drummond, and Mo Diarra. That leaves only one open roster spot, or possibly two if the team trades Pacôme Dadier, a move that was reportedly discussed last season before Malcolm Brogdon's retirement.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:00) **Show Open & Host Intro** - J.D. and Tony East welcome listeners to the September 17, 2026 episode of Locked On NBA Game Night.
2 (01:47) **Knicks Sign Five Players to Exhibit 9 Contracts** - New York adds Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, John Konchar, Drew Eubanks, and James Wiseman to compete for a single roster spot.
3 (05:43) **Breaking Down the Roster Battle: Who Fits Best?** - The hosts analyze which of the five signees has the clearest path to a roster spot.
4 (11:01) **Adam Silver Addresses the Portland Trail Blazers' Arena Situation** - The NBA commissioner comments on the dispute between owner Tom Dundon and the city of Portland.
5 (14:08) **The Owner vs. City Dynamic in Portland** - The panel debates the responsibility for arena funding and Tom Dundon's approach.
6 (24:50) **Suns Sign Duop Reath After Mark Williams Injury** - Phoenix adds the veteran center on a camp deal following Mark Williams' torn labrum.
7 (28:40) **Kings Sign Elfrid Payton to Camp Deal** - Sacramento brings in the veteran point guard to compete with Ben Simmons for the final roster spot.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Ryan Blackburn Tony East

Show Notes

New York Knicks reload with a wave of Exhibit 9 signings as Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, John Konchar, James Wiseman, and Drew Eubanks compete for a precious roster spot. Can any of these free agents carve out a key role behind a star-studded lineup featuring KAT, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart? Tony East and Ryan Blackburn break down the Knicks’ latest roster maneuvers, the ripple effects on championship depth, and strategic battles for New York’s final bench slots.

Adam Silver’s comments about the Portland Trail Blazers’ relocation rumors ignite debate over the city’s arena standoff and future NBA geography. The show also covers the Phoenix Suns’ reaction to Mark Williams’ injury by signing Duop Reath, plus the Sacramento Kings’ curious addition of Alfred Payton. Don’t miss sharp insights on how these late offseason moves reshape playoff pictures and fan hope across the NBA landscape.

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