Former West Virginia guard Miles “Deuce” McBride signed a three-year, $13 million contract extension last December before becoming a standout reserve for the New York Knicks.
As the season progressed, McBride gained the trust of head coach Tom Thibodeau and began to see increased playing time on a regular basis. McBride finished the season averaging 8.3 points per game on 41% three-point shooting, and had two 20-point performances in the playoffs.
Finishing the year like that led everyone to believe that McBride had solidified himself as Jalen Brunson’s backup. A few days earlier, the Knicks had decided to acquire 30-year-old Cam Payne on a one-year deal, immediately raising concerns about McBride’s future.
According to The Athletic’s Fred Katz, McBride’s role is not expected to change.
“The Knicks expect McBride to be a top-eight selection. His rehabilitation from a toe injury is progressing as planned, according to a league source with knowledge of his health, and doctors expect him to return to basketball activities before training camp begins,” Katz wrote. “But the Knicks view McBride as more of an off-ball player than a ball-handling facilitator. Payne can handle the ball, has playoff experience, is known for his hard work and, best of all, is also Bridges’ best friend from their days with the Phoenix Suns.”
SNYtv’s Ian Begley also reported that the Knicks want to keep McBride on the team.
“One note about Miles McBride: I don’t think the Knicks signing Cam Payne is a direct reflection of how they view McBride. They were not interested in including McBride in the Mikal Bridges deal and have stated this offseason that they view McBride as an off-ball guard who can also handle the ball.”
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