BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 15: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 15, 2021 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

Former Knicks PG Frank Ntilikina Agrees to Mavericks Contract

Blake SchusterSep 16, 2021

The Dallas Mavericks signed free agent Frank Ntilikina on Thursday after the New York Knicks previously declined to extend the guard a qualifying offer.

This news should come as no surprise, as NBA insider Marc Stein reported Tuesday that Dallas had emerged as the "likely" landing spot for the guard.

The 23-year-old didn't live up to the Knicks' expectations. After he was drafted No. 8 overall in 2017, Ntilikina spent the majority of his first 211 NBA games coming off the bench. He made just 55 starts in four years and had his best season in 2019-20 when he averaged 6.3 points, 3.0 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per night.

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It turns out he wasn't the Knicks' answer at guard, but he does provide solid depth off the bench and may be more useful going forward in a smaller role.

Now Ntilikina will get another opportunity to show the NBA he's worth a roster spot on a winning team as he transitions to life with the Mavericks.