Nearing the start of their latest season, the Knicks exercised team options on three of its top players Monday afternoon.
New York picked up Frank Ntilikina's option, worth $6.3 million, for the 2020-21 season, the club announced. Ntilikina was initially set to become an unrestricted free agent following the season if the Knicks didn't exercise the option by the Oct. 31 deadline.
Ntilikina, entering his third season with the Knicks, averaged 5.7 points in 43 games last season. He's been involved in a tense battle with Elfrid Payton and Dennis Smith Jr, whose option was also picked up, for the team's starting point guard position.
Head coach David Fizdale has yet to reveal which of the three will be in the starting lineup Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs.
Ntilikina had been linked to various trade rumors leading up to the regular season. Before the Knicks handed down a decision on Ntilikina's contract, the No. 8 overall pick garnered the interest from the Detroit Pistons, according to Vince Ells of The Detroit Free Press.
The Knicks weren't allowing Smith Jr. nor Kevin Knox hit the open market, as well.
Smith Jr. averaged 14.7 points — third on the team — since being traded to the Knicks after his stint with Dallas. He'll likely be one of the final candidates to earn a spot in the Knicks' lineup as he earns $5.68 million this season.
Knox, the lone power forward to have his contract picked up, flourished in his rookie season with the Knicks.
He led the team with 75 appearances and ranked fifth on the team in scoring — 12.8 points per game. Knox's contract carries a value of $4.58 million this season.
