The transactional period for 2024-25 is over for many NBA teams.
Mar. 4 was the deadline for players to sign two-way contracts, and the Knicks took advantage.
On Mar. 2, New York waived forwards Matt Ryan and Jacob Toppin to sign former 2022 first-round pick MarJon Beauchamp and former 2024 second-round pick Anton Watson to two-way deals. The Knicks did not fill a current roster void by signing Beauchamp and Watson, but they are now on New York’s radar for potential roster spots in 2025-26.
MarJon Beauchamp’s journey to New York
MarJon Beauchamp was picked No. 24 overall by the Milwaukee Bucks back in 2022.
The forward averaged 11.4 minutes per game in 129 games over two and a half years with the Bucks. Despite the low minutes, he was in the team’s rotation for decent chunks of 2022-23 and 2023-24.
This year, however, he only appeared in 26 games, primarily during garbage time. On Feb. 6, the Bucks traded Beauchamp to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Kevin Porter Jr. Los Angeles later waived him, and he became a free agent.
Beauchamp’s strength has always been his defense, but towards the end of his time in Milwaukee, it became clear it was not enough to keep him.
The 24-year-old is not a consistent three-point shooter or playmaker, and his offensive IQ never developed in Milwaukee. The Bucks drafted Andre Jackson Jr. in 2023, and he replaced Beauchamp in the rotation. Jackson Jr. is a much better defender, but even he has fallen out of Milwaukee’s rotation since the Bucks acquired Kevin Porter Jr.
As a former first-rounder, the Bucks may not have wanted to part with him in potential trades in 2022-23 and 2023-24. New York probably likes his defensive upside in a rigid Tom Thibodeau system. Beauchamp has good length, and his jump shot looks solid at times.
Players on two-way contracts are only eligible to be active for 50 NBA games. Upon joining the Knicks, Beauchamp had 12 NBA games remaining.
He may not have much impact this year, but if New York has open spots this summer, he is someone to keep an eye on.
The fifth Knick out of the 2024 draft: Anton Watson
Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, Kevin McCullar, and now Anton Watson. They were all picked in the 2024 NBA draft and are now on the New York Knicks.
Anton Watson played five seasons with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He played 151 games (two short of the school record) and racked up 215 steals ranking second behind Hall of Fame point guard and fellow Bulldog John Stockton. His availability and toughness on the defensive end are undeniable, and that’s why he was drafted with the 54th overall pick last summer.
Watson averaged 12.1 points (56.4% TS%), 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game for the Maine Celtics (Boston Celtics G League) before they waived him. He is not the most consistent three-point shooter at 33.3% this season, and his offensive game is not flashy— he is not the most athletic forward. His age is also a critical factor in his development. Many teams do not sign or draft 24-25-year-olds with no NBA experience (unless it is an overseas player).
Post signing thoughts
A key rule about two-way contracts is years of service. Only players with less than four years of experience can sign a two-way contract. So, the Knicks could not sign center Moses Brown or veteran forward TJ Warren to one of these contracts. Knicks have an extra roster spot, so Brown or Warren could still sign with the team.
The Knicks are bringing in two forwards with defensive backgrounds who do not have much NBA experience. With a two-way contract, a team is expected to sign a player with minimal experience, but both players are almost 25 years old. Beauchamp and Watson lack offensive creation, three-point shooting, and overall offensive fluidity. It seems like the Knicks have prioritized defense with these signings.
In the modern era of basketball, teams usually want shooters, but maybe New York sees it the opposite way. However, Beauchamp and Watson may have more upside than Ryan or Toppin, so we’ll see what opportunities they get.
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