Must Read: The Knicks may have their solution at center stored in the G League.

The New York Knicks are actively studying the trade market for veteran centers, with recent reports linking them to Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks. While the front office analyzes potential acquisition possibilities, they may already have a promising alternative within their G League club.

Dmytro Skapintsev, a 7’1″ center from Ukraine, is exhibiting his skills during the NBA Summer League. Skapintsev was dominant in the Knicks’ recent 91-90 victory over the Detroit Pistons, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while also getting two assists, three blocks, and a steal. He shot well, going 6-10 from the field and 5-6 from the free throw line.

After spending two years with the Westchester Knicks in the G League, Skapintsev has been waiting for an opportunity to break into the NBA. This Summer League season, he has averaged 14 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game, impressively shooting 71.4% from the field and 78.9% from the free-throw line. These performances suggest that Skapintsev could potentially fill a gap in the Knicks’ roster despite ongoing considerations to pair Mitchell Robinson with a more experienced center.

While Capela remains a viable candidate, the Knicks are also interested in other veterans such as Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks, particularly if Milwaukee tries to decrease its salary commitments. However, both Capela and Lopez earn large salaries, roughly $23 million apiece, complicating problems for the Knicks as they try to manage their salary cap wisely.

Given the high costs associated with acquiring a veteran center, Skapintsev presents an affordable alternative. He made two appearances for the Knicks last season, but the upcoming preseason presents a golden opportunity for him to secure a more permanent spot on the roster. He may need to outperform players like Jericho Sims, who has recently had his club option picked up, to earn his place. For Skapintsev, continuing to develop his defensive skills will be crucial as he aims to make an impact on the 2024–25 season.