Knicks ink Knox to rookie contract

LAS VEGAS — The Knicks made it official Thursday, inking Kevin Knox to his rookie deal three days before his Summer League debut.

The ninth overall pick gives New York 16 NBA contracts — 14 guaranteed — and they also will sign Mario Hezonja and 36th pick Mitchell Robinson.

They can only carry 17 contracts into the season so they’re going to need to waive a player, whether it’s Troy Williams, who is on a nonguaranteed deal, or Joakim Noah. By waiting until Sept. 1 to waive and stretch Noah’s contract, the Knicks can save $12 million in cap space for 2019 free agency. However, the Knicks are under no obligation to rush and could wait to waive him while hoping for a trade partner either during or after next season.

The Timberwolves remain interested in Noah but only if he’s bought out. Noah, who hasn’t been with the team since a blowout with former coach Jeff Hornacek in January, is signed through the 2019-20 season, and is owed $37.8 million.

Knox has been practicing with the Summer League squad in Las Vegas under the tutelage of David Fizdale, who is impressed with how much space the rookie covers at 6-9.

“It’s just fun to watch him out there with that wingspan. You know I got a crush on wingspan,” Fizdale said. “So to see some of the plays he can make from his natural ability – and this is bad for our defense because we’re not blocking out well enough – but he’s got three or four tip dunks in live action. Not a lot of people could’ve went where he went to get it.”

The Knicks face the Hawks and point guard Trae Young on Saturday. Knox, 18, will be the youngest player on the court by almost a full year.

“But he is very mature,” Fizdale said. “He’s very professional in his approach. I’m sure there are some parts of him that are silly at 18, but right now at 18 he’s showing a real professional approach.”