The Orlando Magic have signed forward Kevin Knox a former New York Knicks lottery pick. The move, announced by President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman, sees Ace Baldwin Jr., Ricky Council IV, Jarron Cumberland, and Au'Diese Toney released after just one day with the team.
Knox is a 6'8" forward who has played for five NBA teams and a G League squad over eight seasons. He entered the league young and has stuck around largely due to his perceived potential as a three-and-D athlete. His career three-point percentage sits at 34% on just over three attempts per game. He showed a sharper touch in the G League last year, hitting 41% from deep. The realistic hope for Orlando is that he provides hot shooting nights and energetic plays at the rim off cuts and in transition. He could be a high-energy sparkplug off the bench.
New head coach Sean Sweeney's challenge is clear. He must do what most coaches haven't: merge Knox's defensive focus with his offensive athleticism. Sweeney's aggressive defensive schemes, featuring heavy switching, could be a key. Being surrounded by contagious defenders like Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black might help Knox focus. On offense, Sweeney's assistant coaching hires will be tasked with refining Knox's efficiency as a shooter and scorer. It's a tough ask, but not impossible as Knox enters his prime.
This transaction sets the stage for training camp competition. With the roster now at the maximum of twenty players, the fight for the final regular-season spots begins. Knox joins a forward group featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. His path to minutes starts as a bench reserve. Opportunity in the NBA can appear suddenly, and Knox will need to be ready to seize his moment when it comes.
The immediate focus is training camp and the preseason. The Magic will evaluate Knox and the rest of their roster as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full upcoming schedule on our schedule page. For Knox, it's a fresh start with minimal expectations. He offers bouncy rebounding, athletic play-finishing, and streaky three-point shooting. If Sweeney's system fits, Knox could finally deliver positive two-way impact in Orlando.
