John Kanchar agreed to sign a one-year contract with the reigning champion NixESPN’s Shams Charania tweets.
Nix interest in Kanchar reported earlier this month. At least three other Eastern Conference teams — the Heat, Raptors and Magic — were interested signing it. The Heat spoke with Kanchar and told him they would contact him this week about a potential offer, but Kanchar decided not to wait, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tweets.
New York will now have 14 players on standard deals. The team is not expected to fill its 15th slot because of its proximity to the second tax apron.
Kanchar was refused Minnesota late last month, shortly after he was purchased from Utah to Josh Green trade The 30-year-old guard/forward spent six and a half years in Memphis before being traded to the Jazz in February.
The Chicago native averaged 4.4 ppg, 4.3 ppg, 2.1 ppg, 1.5 ppg and 0.7 ppg in 56 games (19.9 mpg) last season with the Grizzlies and Jazz. Kanchar’s career slash line is .469/.349/.727.
Kanchar never averaged more than 5.1 points per game during a season, but he was a regular in the rotation and a jack of all trades during his time with the Grizzlies. The 6’5″ swingman rebounds well at his position, can handle the ball a bit and is capable of defending multiple positions. He can also knock down the occasional 3-pointer with a career rate of 34.9% from beyond the arc.
Kanchar’s full salary of $6.17 million for the 2026-27 season was guaranteed, and Minnesota expects that hit. The Knicks will pay him the veteran minimum, assuming he makes the roster.