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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Summary
It looked like Gibson's time in the NBA might be over after he was waived by the Knicks last offseason and unsigned going into the '20'-21 season. However, the Knicks re-signed Gibson mid-way through the season, and he's looked like he still belongs. He still moves pretty well, and is finishing well inside. He has nice touch on short hooks and floaters, and has some post moves to create space in the paint.
On defense, Gibson at least knows where he needs to be, even if he's limited athletically at age 35. You wouldn't want to have to rely on Gibson for heavy minutes, but I think he can still contribute as a third big that can adequately fill in when there are injuries, like he has done in New York. I think Gibson showed enough to get a fully-guaranteed minimum contract this summer.
Cap Considerations
Gibson will be an unrestricted free agent with a $1.7 million cap hold and Early Bird rights. Using his Early Bird rights, the Knicks can offer Gibson a starting salary of 5% above the average salary (around $10 million), which should be more than enough. If it's not, the Knicks could always use cap space to re-sign him.
Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Gibson as even teams without cap space could possibly use any of the Non-Taxpayer, Taxpayer, Room Mid-Level Exception, or Bi-Annual Exception to sign him. Since he signed a minimum contract with the Knicks, teams will hope to get him at the minimum this summer too.
Potential Teams: Knicks, Raptors, Kings, Hornets, Wizards
Predicted Contract: 1-year, $2.6 million ($1.7 million cap hit) with the Knicks
Actual Contract: 2-year, $10.1 million (2nd year non-guaranteed) with the Knicks
While it initially appeared that Gibson would sign for a one-year minimum contract, it later was reported he received the full Room MLE. This was most likely just as a favor to Gibson and his agent, or additional salary to potentially use in a trade.
Last updated: 8/21/2021
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