Mohamed Diawara set to re-sign with Knicks in key depth move

The New York Knicks are closing in on a reunion with Mohamed Diawara, a 21-year-old wing who burst onto the scene as a rookie revelation last season. Diawara, the 51st overall pick, earned coach Mike Brown's trust and became a key contributor off the bench, playing in 69 games while averaging 3.6 points and shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc. His breakout performance came on December 29 against the Pelicans, where he dropped 18 points in just 18 minutes, knocking down seven treys.

Diawara's exceptional performance caught the attention of team owner James Dolan, who declared recently on WFAN that he wouldn't allow the Knicks to enter the second apron of the luxury tax. However, many around the league are skeptical about Dolan's commitment to this goal, especially considering the team's championship win. Diawara's reward for his impressive rookie season is a multiyear deal worth over $10 million, a significant raise from his $1.27 million salary last season.

With a 7-foot-4 wingspan on a 6-9 frame, Diawara always projected as a strong defender. His offense, particularly the confidence to launch 3-pointers, was a welcome surprise for the Knicks. Despite his regular-season success, Diawara was largely relegated to the bench during the playoff rotation, limited to just six games. He shot 23 percent during the postseason, with Landry Shamet, Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado, and Jordan Clarkson dominating the backup wing/guard minutes.

The Knicks have at least two other significant free agents - Shamet and Mitchell Robinson - who can test the market on June 30. Alvarado could also become a free agent if he declines his $4.5 million player option, although he has opted to push back the deadline for a decision from Monday to Friday, indicating a strong likelihood of re-signing with the team. The Knicks cannot re-sign Robinson and Shamet without exceeding the second apron of the luxury tax.

Bobby Marks, an ESPN front-office insider, shared his thoughts on the situation, saying, 'I think there's still a priority to re-sign your own free agents, even if it means exceeding the second apron.' He added, 'I think the second apron is a detriment for teams that are not at a championship level.' The Knicks have proven they are a championship-caliber team, and re-signing Diawara would go a long way in solidifying their depth.

As the Knicks navigate their cap situation, they also own the 24th, 31st, and 55th picks in the upcoming draft. This presents an exciting opportunity for the team to bolster their roster and make strategic moves in the coming weeks. Diawara's multiyear deal, although a significant investment, would provide much-needed stability and depth for the Knicks.