James Nnaji, a 2023 draft-and-stash prospect, has officially told Spanish club Barcelona he’s leaving Europe to pursue a spot with the New York Knicks, reports Jared Schwartz of The New York Post.
The Knicks recently acquired Nnaji’s rights from the Timberwolves in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
Nnaji, a 7-foot Nigerian center with a 7’7″ wingspan, has played the last four seasons in Europe, including time with Barcelona, and loan stints in Turkey and Spain.
He’s already in New York and working out for the Knicks ahead of Summer League, hoping to earn a roster spot for the 2025–26 season.
“Hopefully after [Summer League], we can reach an agreement,” his agent Gerard Raventos told The Post. “It’s 50-50. It depends how he does.”
Nnaji averaged 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 16 minutes per game with Girona this past season.
With Precious Achiuwa potentially departing in free agency, Nnaji could be a low-cost addition to the Knicks’ frontcourt.
Signing him to a minimum contract would also help preserve the team’s flexibility to use the taxpayer mid-level exception next season.
James Nnaji Leaving Europe, Joining Knicks For Summer League https://t.co/pdPMCA7JaI pic.twitter.com/iIfgv1ZWdG
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 19, 2025
