Maurice Ndour might be the one that got away for the New York Knicks. He was a member of the Knicks' summer league team and was probably the most impressive player on the squad, which includes first round picks Jerian Grant and Kristaps Porzingis. When it came time for the Knicks to give Ndour a contract they reportedly didn't offer enough guaranteed money and the Dallas Mavericks were able to swoop in and take him. It is now being reported that the Knicks made a last ditch effort to sign Ndour after he had already reached a verbal agreement with Dallas, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
Berman reports that initially the Knicks only offered $200,000 in guaranteed money while the Mavericks offered more than the $600,000 minimum. The first year of Ndour's contract with the Mavericks is fully guaranteed while the second year includes a partial guarantee. Because of the big difference in money, Ndour jumped on the Mavericks deal and made a verbal commitment. The Knicks reportedly upped their offer eventually, but it was too little too late.
Ndour wanted to play in New York but reportedly said he did not want to back out of a verbal agreement with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Clarence Gaines Jr., Phil Jackson's top advisor, was reportedly not happy about the Knicks not being able to retain Ndour as he was the one that got Ndour to sign on with their summer league team.
There is still a chance that Ndour doesn't make the Mavericks team out of training camp even though his contract is guaranteed. The team could decide Ndour isn't one of their best 15 players and eat the money they guaranteed him. If the Mavericks do decide to cut him the Knicks and Ndour have left it open for a return. The Knicks clearly want him back and Ndour, who lives in New York, would love to play in his home state if things with the Mavericks don't work out. The odds are in favor of Ndour making the Mavericks team this year but stranger things have happened and Ndour is a wanted man right now.
