Trey Jemison has signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors, ending any chance of a Knicks reunion and leaving New York still searching for additional frontcourt depth.
The New York Knicks have one fewer option to consider as they continue searching for additional frontcourt depth.
Center Trey Jemison III, who spent last season with both the Knicks and the Westchester Knicks, has agreed to a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors, closing the door on a potential return to the defending NBA champions.
While Jemison was never expected to become a major part of New York’s rotation, his departure removes a familiar, low-cost option from a team that is still looking to reinforce its center position ahead of the 2026-27 season.
A Familiar Depth Option Is Off the Market
Jemison’s impact during the regular season was limited, but he remained an important member of the organization throughout New York’s championship campaign.
Although his two-way contract prevented him from participating in the playoffs, he stayed with the team during its postseason run and celebrated alongside his teammates after the Knicks captured their first NBA title in 53 years.
His NBA numbers with New York were modest.
In 13 appearances, the 26-year-old averaged 1.0 point and 1.4 rebounds in just over six minutes per game, primarily serving as emergency depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti.
His performances in the G League, however, painted a much more complete picture.
Playing for Westchester, Jemison averaged 8.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 blocks, while shooting nearly 59 percent from the field. His relentless work on the offensive glass and physical interior presence made him one of the team’s most dependable frontcourt players.
Throughout his NBA career, Jemison has earned a reputation as a traditional center who excels through rebounding, screening, rim protection and finishing around the basket rather than offensive versatility.
The Knicks Still Need Another Center Before Opening Night
Jemison’s decision to join Toronto leaves New York with limited proven depth in the middle.
Following Mitchell Robinson’s departure to the Boston Celtics and Ariel Hukporti’s move to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks currently enter training camp with Karl-Anthony Towns and newly signed Andre Drummond as their primary traditional centers.
Drummond brings elite rebounding and valuable veteran experience, but expecting the 32-year-old to shoulder the entire backup-center workload across an 82-game regular season would be unrealistic.
That reality explains why the Knicks continue monitoring the market.
Leon Rose has deliberately maintained roster flexibility throughout the offseason, leaving both a standard roster spot and all three two-way contracts available while evaluating players who may become accessible following training camp cuts or other roster moves around the league.
Jemison would have represented a logical insurance policy because of his familiarity with the organization’s culture and defensive system.
Instead, Toronto offered him a clearer path to development through its remaining two-way position.
For the Knicks, the search simply continues.
Whether the solution comes through free agency, a preseason waiver, a trade or another young developmental prospect, strengthening the center rotation remains one of New York’s final priorities before opening night.
The championship core is still intact.
Now the front office must ensure the supporting cast is deep enough to withstand another long title defense.
