Knicks Prospect James Nnaji Leaves Europe For Summer League Roster Shot

James Nnaji, a 20-year-old Nigerian center with impressive physical attributes including a 7-foot-7 wingspan, is leaving Barcelona to pursue a roster spot with the New York Knicks for the 2025-26 NBA season. Nnaji, originally drafted in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and later traded to the Knicks as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns deal, has spent the last few seasons playing in Europe on loan, averaging around 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds with Girona and gaining experience in Turkey. He is currently in New York, working out with the Knicks ahead of the NBA Summer League, where his performance will largely determine if he secures a contract. The Knicks view Nnaji as a potential low-cost addition to their frontcourt, especially with the likely departure of Precious Achiuwa in free agency, and they have limited cap space, making minimum contracts crucial for roster flexibility. Alongside established centers Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, and another young big man Ariel Hukporti, the Knicks are looking to strengthen their roster with promising young talent like Nnaji.