James Nnaji Traded to New York Knicks in Three-Team Deal
In a blockbuster trade, Nnaji and Karl-Anthony Towns join the Knicks.
According to The Athletic, the Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks have all agreed to trade James Nnaji’s rights to the Knicks as part of a three-team transaction. With this trade, Julius Randle moves to Minnesota while Karl-Anthony Towns completes his sensational move to New York. Nnaji’s trade to the Knicks was made possible by Charlotte, the third team involved in the deal.
The Detroit Pistons selected 20-year-old Nnaji with the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. His rights were traded to the Hornets after the draft. Nnaji is now battling for Girona in Spain while playing on loan from FC Barcelona. In 19 EuroLeague games with Barca during the previous season, the center averaged 2.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.2 PIR (Player Impact Estimate). In addition, he participated in one Copa del Rey game and 26 ACB League contests.
From Spain to Hungary and the NBA
Before relocating to Barcelona in 2020, Nnaji started his professional career with Ratgeber Akademia in Hungary. There, he honed his skills in both the EuroLeague and ACB. His current adventure ends with a transaction that might affect the rosters of all three participating teams, the Knicks.
