Sports · October 17, 2026
Knicks waive Bruce Brown to pave way for James Wiseman to get final roster spot
The New York Knicks finalized their 2026-27 opening night roster on Saturday by waiving veteran guard Bruce Brown. This move allows the team to retain center James Wiseman for the 14th and final roster spot. Wiseman, a former No. 2 overall pick, competed against Brown and three other veterans during training camp for the position. The Knicks prioritized adding frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond, especially following the free-agency departure of Mitchell Robinson and a season-ending injury to Ariel Hukporti. The roster construction was heavily influenced by the NBA's second apron restrictions, which limited the team's ability to retain veteran contracts while keeping their high-priced starting lineup intact.
Read the original coverage
- New York PostTabloid
Knicks waive Bruce Brown to pave way for James Wiseman to get final roster spot
Read at New York Post ↗ - ESPNSports network
Sources: Knicks waiving Brown, keeping Wiseman ahead of opener
Read at ESPN ↗ - CBS SportsSports network
Knicks finalize roster as James Wiseman gets last spot over Bruce Brown
Read at CBS Sports ↗ - Yahoo SportsSports network
Knicks makes Bruce Brown roster move before regular season
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Reported by multiple outlets
- The Knicks waived Bruce Brown on Saturday.
- James Wiseman secured the 14th and final roster spot.
- The Knicks are operating under constraints to stay below the NBA's second apron.
- Wiseman was the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
- Wiseman competed against veterans including Brown, Drew Eubanks, Tony Bradley, and Ochai Agbaji during training camp.
- The Knicks center rotation now includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Andre Drummond, and James Wiseman.
Reported by only some outlets
- The Knicks would have preferred to keep both players but could not find a trade to clear cap space.
- Wiseman averaged 8.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in four preseason appearances.
- Ariel Hukporti, who left for the 76ers, is out for the year with a torn Achilles.
- Knicks coach Mike Brown was an assistant with the Warriors during Wiseman's tenure there.
- Possible trade candidates to potentially bring Brown back later include Pacôme Dadiet and Tyler Kolek.
Confirmed
- Knicks waived Bruce Brown on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
- James Wiseman took the final 14th roster spot.
- Mitchell Robinson left the Knicks for the Boston Celtics in free agency.
- The team roster is limited to 14 players to stay under the NBA's second apron.
Reported
- The Knicks would have liked to keep both Wiseman and Brown but couldn't find a trade partner. (New York Post)
- Wiseman's contract will be converted from an Exhibit 9 to a league minimum deal. (CBS Sports)
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