Home / Sports / Hukporti Defects From Knicks to 76ers for $3.4M Deal
Hukporti Defects From Knicks to 76ers for $3.4M Deal
1 Jul
Summary
- Ariel Hukporti signed a one-year deal worth $3.4 million with the 76ers.
- Hukporti was a sparsely used backup center for the Knicks last season.
- His departure highlights the Knicks' urgent need for frontcourt additions.
Ariel Hukporti has agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.4 million with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking the first player departure from the Knicks' championship roster as of July 1, 2026. The 24-year-old German center averaged 2.1 points in 79 appearances over two seasons with the Knicks, showing strengths in rebounding and shot-blocking.
Hukporti's move highlights the Knicks' significant need for additions to their frontcourt. Currently, Karl-Anthony Towns is the sole natural center or power forward listed on the team's roster. Mitchell Robinson, a key defensive presence, remains a free agent, with a potential return unlikely unless the team exceeds the second apron of the salary cap.
As of Wednesday morning, the Knicks had approximately $9 million remaining to sign three players while staying within the second apron. Hukporti, who shared an agent with Robinson, was considered a potential option for backup center minutes, with the Knicks having invested in his development. His career will now continue in Philadelphia, where he can potentially gain experience due to Joel Embiid's injury history.
