New York Knicks will not waive Samuel Dalembert

By Bryan Rose | Jun 26, 2014

May 2, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Samuel Dalembert (1) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks acquired big man Samuel Dalembert from the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night and the belief among many was that the Knicks would release the center in effort to free up more funds. However, that apparently will not be the case.

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According to the New York Post, the Knicks intend to keep Dalembert on their roster, a move which will put a dent into their potential free agent plans.

If the Knicks were to release Dalembert, it would allow them to upgrade their mini mid-level exception to a full mid-level exception. That may not sound like a big issue at heart, but the full mid-level exception would allow the New York Knicks to compete with other teams in free agency who would be offering a free agent the same contract. Being the Knicks won’t have the full mid-level exception, they won’t be able to offer as much money to a potential player.

Of course, the Knicks may feel that Dalembert (who is due $3.8 million in the final year of his deal) may be better served to them as a potential trade asset down the road given his expiring contract. He also is relatively cheap and should play well in a triangle offense, so the Knicks may see more positives in keeping him on the roster than they would by giving them enough money to offer a full mid-level exception.

Granted, the New York Knicks could change their mind in the coming days and weeks depending on how their roster fills out, but for now it appears as if Dalembert will be remaining with the team moving forward.

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