Knicks Bolster Roster with Promising Undrafted Talents
New York Knicks Formalize Agreement with Dink Pate
The New York Knicks organization has officially announced the signing of Dink Pate, an undrafted rookie guard, to a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 agreement. This formal announcement confirms earlier reports that surfaced in June, following the conclusion of the 2024 NBA Draft, indicating the team's interest in the young talent.
Dink Pate's Impressive Journey in the G League
Nineteen-year-old Pate spent the 2024-25 season competing in the G League for the Mexico City Capitanes, having previously played for the G League Ignite during the 2023-24 season. His performance with the Capitanes was notable, where he averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 26.9 minutes per contest in 34 appearances. His consistent play earned him a coveted spot in the 2025 Next Up game during All-Star Weekend, underscoring his status as a bright prospect within the G League system.
Pate's Strong Showing in the Las Vegas Summer League
Prior to his official signing, Pate participated in the Las Vegas Summer League with the Knicks in July. Across five games, he demonstrated his capabilities by averaging 9.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in just 17.6 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency was also impressive, with percentages of .400 from the field, .500 from beyond the arc, and .889 from the free-throw line.
Knicks Also Add Bryson Warren via Exhibit 10 Contract
In addition to Pate, the Knicks also secured undrafted guard Bryson Warren with an Exhibit 10 contract. Warren, who was not selected in the 2024 draft, spent the last two seasons developing his game with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the G League affiliate of the Miami Heat. During the 2024-25 season, the twenty-year-old averaged 11.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.6 rebounds across 49 appearances, playing approximately 23.3 minutes per game. His shooting splits included .414 from the field, .373 from three-point range, and .781 from the free-throw line. Earlier in the month, the Westchester Knicks acquired his returning rights through a trade, which ultimately paved the way for his signing with the main team.
Strategic Implications of Exhibit 10 Deals for Knicks and Players
Before these recent additions, the New York roster had only twelve players under contract. This limited their ability to offer Exhibit 9 deals, which are short-term agreements designed to offer financial protection to teams in case a player sustains an injury during training camp or preseason. League regulations stipulate that Exhibit 9 agreements are only permissible when a roster contains at least fourteen players, not including two-way contracts. Consequently, it is anticipated that both Pate and Warren will see limited involvement with the Knicks during training camp. Instead, they are expected to be waived and subsequently join the Westchester Knicks, New York's G League affiliate. A key advantage of the Exhibit 10 clauses in their contracts is that Pate and Warren stand to receive bonuses of up to $85,300 if they remain with the Westchester Knicks for a minimum of sixty days during the upcoming season, providing a significant incentive for their continued development within the organization.
