Frank Ntilikina hit the free agent market this offseason, after the New York Knicks decided to not extend the guard a qualifying offer.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Dallas Mavericks were the likely landing spot for the Frenchman, and the team announced the agreement on Thursday.
Ntilikina, who participated in the Tokyo Olympics the previous summer, will reunite with Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke.
The promising guard was the 8th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft selected by the New York Knicks. He entered the league with high expectations as a young player, who had previous professional experience in Europe with Strasbourg.
He spent two seasons with the team playing in the French Pro A League, being named league’s best young player in two consecutive seasons, before making the jump to the NBA.
With the Knicks, Ntilikina holds career averages of 5.5 points, 2.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 211 NBA games. He was in the starting lineup in 55 occasions during his stint in NY, however last season his role was limited under Tom Thibodeau.
The Frenchman will hope to find a steady role in Dallas as he can compliment Luka Doncic in the Mavs’ perimeter with his defensive prowess and his ability to disrupt opponents.
At the same time, he could improve his offensive game and playmaking ability under former NBA champion and Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, who was appointed as the Dallas’ head coach this offseason.
All in all, Ntilikina has the chance to show the NBA he’s worth a roster spot on a winning team, as the Mavericks could be among the best teams in the tough the Western Conference this season.
