The New York Knicks have signed center Ariel Hukporti to a standard two-year contract, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. The 7-foot center, who previously held a two-way deal with the Knicks, now has a team option in his new contract for the 2025-26 season, giving the Knicks additional flexibility.
Hukporti, a 22-year-old German-Togolese, entered the NBA spotlight after being selected with the 58th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, who immediately traded him to New York.
Despite limited NBA minutes so far, Hukporti has steadily worked his way into the Knicks’ plans. He made his debut for New York on October 22 in a game against the Boston Celtics, where he recorded a solid 1.8 rebounds per game over four appearances, averaging 7.3 minutes per contest.
The addition of Hukporti to a standard contract reflects the Knicks’ commitment to deepening their roster with versatile, young players. Known for his defensive instincts and shot-blocking capabilities, Hukporti brings physicality to the Knicks’ frontcourt, which could be valuable in high-stakes matchups.
Hukporti’s journey to the NBA has been marked by international success and perseverance. He first made waves on the professional basketball scene in 2018 with Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany. His standout performance at the 2020 Basketball Without Borders camp earned him MVP honors, further solidifying his reputation among scouts.
Following stints in Germany and Lithuania, Hukporti joined Melbourne United in Australia’s NBL as a “Next Star” prospect. Despite facing a season-ending Achilles injury in 2022, he rebounded and returned to the league with a strong showing in the 2023–24 season, ultimately paving the way for his transition to the NBA.
