Jaden Akins is on the New York Knicks roster as of Sunday, September 27, arriving with no prior NBA line. The 23-year-old rookie guard joins a backcourt led by Jalen Brunson as the Knicks fill out their roster for 2026-27.
The move
Jaden Akins joins the New York Knicks, arriving from free agency with no prior NBA roster spot. The move was confirmed by the official roster on Sunday, September 27. No report preceded it; the addition was picked up directly from the roster listing itself. Akins is 23 years old and enters the league as a rookie guard. New York adds him as it rounds out its roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The money
Akins' contract is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day. The Knicks currently carry $230.2 million in payroll across 18 contracts for 2026-27, putting the team over the second apron. The league cap for the season is $165.0 million, the tax line is $200.4 million, the first apron is $209.0 million and the second apron is $221.7 million. Where his cap number lands will depend on filings still to come.
The fit
Akins has no NBA line from last season. He joins a Knicks backcourt fronted by Jalen Brunson, who played 35.0 minutes and scored 26.0 points a game last season, with Mikal Bridges at 32.8 minutes and 14.4 points, Miles McBride at 26.3 minutes and 12.0 points, and Landry Shamet at 23.0 minutes and 9.3 points. The Knicks roster now stands at 22 players, within the standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
What is Jaden Akins' contract with the Knicks?
Not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day.
Did a report precede the move?
No report is logged ahead of the roster addition; it was confirmed directly from the official roster on Sunday, September 27.
How many players are on the Knicks roster now?
22 players, within the standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.