Free Agent Dennis Smith Jr. Works Out for Knicks, Seeking NBA Comeback

Free agent guard Dennis Smith Jr. is reportedly working out for the New York Knicks, signaling a potential NBA comeback. The 27-year-old previously played 58 games for New York over three seasons, arriving in the Kristaps Porzingis trade in January 2019 and later being dealt for Derrick Rose in 2021. Smith, a well-traveled veteran, has since played for the Pistons, Portland, Charlotte, and Brooklyn, with his most recent NBA experience in the 2023-24 season with the Nets, averaging 6.6 points on 43.5% shooting, 3.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 56 games. He also played in Spain with Real Madrid. The ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Smith had his best year in Dallas, finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting. Despite limited roster flexibility after signing Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon, the Knicks are evaluating the guard, who holds career averages of 9.7 points on 40.7% shooting and 4.2 assists, having never played in the playoffs.