Knicks to Decline Bobby Portis’ Team Option

The New York Knicks will not bring forward Bobby Portis back on a $15.8 million 2020-21 team option, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports. The decision will put an intriguing, young big man back on the open market after a relatively down season.

Portis put up 10.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game for the Knicks last season in just over 21 minutes of action. That’s a slight regression from the 14.6 and 8.6 he posted in half a season with the Washington Wizards in 2018-19.

Portis showed flashes of an ability to produce effectively with the Chicago Bulls and could thrive in a situation better suited to utilize him.

While Portis isn’t like to find a contract worth $15.8 million on the open market this offseason, it’s likely that he’ll be able to find a better fit in 2020-21.

Portis was one of the numerous power forwards the Knicks inexplicably signedin 2019 and as a result quickly found himself limited in a logjam at the position.