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Knicks convert Trier to reported 2-year, $6.9M deal, release Baker

Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The New York Knicks appear to have struck gold in undrafted Arizona product Allonzo Trier. With his 45 days of service time on a two-way contract set to expire, the team is converting Trier to a main roster deal, the Knicks announced Thursday.

The Knicks used their bi-annual exception to sign Trier to a two-year, $6.9-million contract, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. Trier's deal is the richest conversion since the two-way contract was introduced ahead of the 2017-18 season.

In order to create a roster spot for Trier, the Knicks have released Ron Baker, who was in the final season of a two-year, $8.9-million contract he signed in the summer of 2017. Baker has averaged 3.3 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 rebounds through 92 NBA appearances.

"Ron is a true professional and we thank him for all of his contributions during his time with the Knicks," said team president Steve Mills in a statement. "His dedication and passion for the game are unquestioned and have been truly appreciated by our fans and organization. We wish him all the best."

Though Trier is currently out of action due to a strained left hamstring, the 22-year-old has impressed so far. In 27 appearances, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard has averaged 11.3 points on 47 percent shooting - including 39.1 percent on 3-pointers - in just over 23 minutes per game. He's already broken the 20-point threshold on four occasions this season, including a career-high 25 points versus the New Orleans Pelicans on Nov. 23.

In locking up Trier, the Knicks have secured one of their most impressive rookie classes in recent memory. Power forward Kevin Knox, the No. 9 pick in the draft, is averaging just a shade under 10 points in 21.4 minutes per game, while 7-foot-1 center Mitchell Robinson, selected No. 36 overall after eschewing college to train on his own last year, is logging 17.5 minutes per contest.

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