With a busy offseason ahead, the New York Knicks are starting early by bringing in former sixth overall pick Jarrett Culver for a free-agent workout.
Ian Begley of SNY was first to report the news. Culver, who was selected sixth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019, spent last season with the Rio Grande Vipers in the NBA G-League. At 25, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game for the Houston Rockets’ affiliate team. Notably, he also shot 38% from three-point range on 5.9 attempts per game, surpassing the league average—a performance that’s attracting interest from multiple teams, including the Knicks.
Culver isn’t the only player the Knicks are evaluating, but he’s the only one publicly confirmed. Begley had earlier reported on the Knicks’ interest in Culver on X (formerly Twitter), before the workout took place. “The Knicks have a June 5 workout scheduled with Texas Tech’s Jarrett Culver,” Begley tweeted in May 2019. Some in the Knicks’ front office are impressed with the 6’6” shooting guard from Texas Tech. New York had the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, which they used to select RJ Barrett, who has since been traded for OG Anunoby after four and a half seasons with the Knicks.
Culver, after two seasons with the Timberwolves, was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and then signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks for the 2022-2023 season. Despite his frequent moves, Culver is determined to secure a roster spot with the Knicks.
The Knicks’ free-agent camp news comes ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, where New York holds the 24th (via the Dallas Mavericks) and 25th picks in the first round. Their draft strategy remains undecided. Historically, they have consolidated picks and occasionally skipped the first round, as in 2022.
Jeremy Woo of ESPN reported on May 31 that the Knicks are exploring trade options with their first-round picks to extend their current competitive window. “The Knicks are understandably looking into trade scenarios involving their two picks in the 20s,” Woo wrote.
Begley indicated that the Knicks might use at least one of their three picks this year. “But I don’t get the sense that they are fully committed to moving their 2024 picks,” Begley wrote. The consensus is that the Knicks will add talent through the 2024 draft.
It’s unlikely that head coach Tom Thibodeau will incorporate two or three rookies into the roster. With the 38th pick in the second round, the Knicks could address needs at backup center or point guard. With limited free agency options and ongoing contract negotiations with Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein, Culver’s workout signals the start of the Knicks’ busy offseason. They are meticulously planning an offseason that carries high expectations.