The New York Knicks have brought in another tall, mobile forward to compete for a job as training camp draws closer. Polish-Croatian forward Igor Milicic Jr. agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Knicks, according to Karol Wasiek of Interia Sport and reported by Hoops Rumors. Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 225 pounds, the 24-year-old forward provides frontcourt depth and versatility as the franchise prepares for the upcoming NBA season.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Roster Battle: Milicic joins a competitive training camp environment fighting for the final standard roster spots or a vacant two-way contract.
- G League Stash: Because the deal is an Exhibit 10 contract, New York secures his G League rights with the Westchester Knicks if he is waived before opening night.
Navigating Training Camp Battles and Roster Math
As training camp approaches, front offices across the association must manage roster limits carefully. The New York Knicks entered the weekend carrying 13 players on standard contracts alongside three open two-way slots, according to Yardbarker reporting. NBA clubs can take up to 21 players into camp before trimming down for the regular-season opener.
An Exhibit 10 contract offers a low-risk mechanism for talent evaluation. Under league rules, the salary does not count against the salary cap if the player is waived prior to the regular season. Furthermore, if Milicic is cut and spends at least 60 days with the Westchester Knicks, he can earn a bonus of up to roughly $91,000 on top of his standard G League compensation.
| Games Played | Minutes Per Game | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Field Goal % | 3-Point % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 18.8 | 6.9 | 4.8 | 40.1% | 28.2% |
Evaluating the Collegiate Background and Professional Development
Milicic went undrafted in 2025 following a collegiate career that spanned three different programs. After spending his freshman campaign at Virginia and two seasons with Charlotte, he finished his college tenure at Tennessee. As a senior with the Volunteers under head coach Rick Barnes, Milicic started 37 games and posted averages of 9.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 25.4 minutes per contest, shooting 47.2 percent from the floor and 31.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Following his college career, Milicic spent the previous season with the Delaware Blue Coats, the Philadelphia 76ers’ G League affiliate. Across 45 appearances, he averaged 6.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 18.8 minutes per night, shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line. His development was briefly hampered by an early-season injury, but he rebounded with a strong showing during the summer.
The 6-foot-10 forward played Summer League basketball with the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in seven games. He also performed well for the Polish national team in World Cup qualifying games. According to Sportando coverage, Milicic tallied 18 points and eight rebounds against Germany, followed by 13 points, six assists, and four steals against Israel. His father, Igor Milicic Sr., serves as the head coach of the Polish national team.
Front Office Strategy and Frontcourt Depth in New York
The addition of Milicic addresses structural needs at the back end of the roster. New York retained the core of its rotation from last season while adding veteran center Andre Drummond following Mitchell Robinson’s departure to Boston. Continuity remains high with returning guards Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, and Landry Shamet, alongside forward Mohamed Diawara.
Milicic brings positional versatility that fits modern tactical demands. His frame allows him to operate as a stretch-four or slide into small-ball center roles when coaching staffs look to space the floor in pick-and-roll scenarios or attack a drop-coverage defense. Speaking on his ambitions, Milicic stated via Interia Sport, “I am still fighting for the NBA and I will do it until I succeed. I believe that moment will come this year. I am in good physical shape.”
Whether Milicic secures one of the remaining standard roster spots, claims a two-way deal, or develops further in the G League, his acquisition gives the front office a flexible, high-upside asset without risking long-term salary cap flexibility.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
