The Knicks are bringing back another player from last season’s team after reaching an agreement with veteran guard Sasha Vujacic, league sources said.
The veteran guard will sign a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum, according to a source. Vujacic gives the Knicks 13 players with fully guaranteed contracts.
With just four guards on the roster, the Knicks needed more depth in the backcourt and only have minimum contracts to offer free agents. Vujacic, 32, can play both guard positions and is well-versed in the triangle offense, which the Knicks will continue to run under new coach Jeff Hornacek with some tweaks to accommodate his desire to play up-tempo and mix in some pick-and-roll sets.
Vujacic started his career with the Lakers and won two championships playing under Phil Jackson, who is now the Knicks’ president. Jackson brought in Vujacic last season for depth, some feistiness off the bench and to help the players with the triangle offense.
He appeared in 61 games last season and averaged 4.9 points, while shooting 36.4 percent from three-point range. In 25 starts, Vujacic shot 38 percent from three and scored 7.8 points.
Vujacic is just the fifth player returning from last season’s team, joining Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, Lance Thomas and Kyle O’Quinn.
The other four guards on the roster are Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee, Brandon Jennings and Justin Holiday.
- Newsday