NO’Quinn as roster gets a makeover
LAS VEGAS — The Kyle O’Quinn Era is over in New York.
The Queens product agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Pacers, an NBA source confirmed. The burly backup center got a small raise after opting out of his Knicks contract that would have paid him $4.25 million next season.
According to a source, the Knicks stayed in close contact as they could have re-signed him and gone over the cap. But now they are set with their three centers — Enes Kanter, Luke Kornet and Mitchell Robinson. Knicks brass liked O’Quinn’s outsized personality in keeping players loose during his three seasons, but they are going with youth.
Kornet became the NBA’s second twoway G-League contract player to sign to a main roster, officially signing his oneyear, $1.6 million pact.
“It’s awsome,” Kornet said. “I had some great opportunities last year. I’m looking to earn every single minute. I want to play and contribute.”
Said David Fizdale: “I like Luke. He’s a heckuva skilled big. You know what you’re getting with him. He can stretch the floor to 3. He’s got great hands. He’s a very good basketball player from the standpoint of IQ. He’s a very good passer. He runs the floor extremely hard. He understands how to play in pick-and-roll.”
The Post has learned Michael Beasley has yet to hear from the Knicks since free agency opened July 1. When Mario Hezonja agreed to terms, Beasley fell completely off the radar. Beasley had been invited by Fizdale and team president Steve Mills to join them on a float for the New York City pride parade days before free agency.
“He’s disappointed with the Knicks, though he understands that they are going young,” said one NBA source who has spoken to Beasley.