Knicks Have Signed Jaden Akins to Two-Way Deal

The 23-year-old guard rounds out the New York roster with his new two-way contract.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player in New York Knicks colors performing a mid-air lay-up maneuver. — The New York Knicks have officially signed guard Jaden Akins to a two-way contract, filling the final spot in their three-player developmental rotation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The New York Knicks have officially signed Jaden Akins to a two-way contract, securing the 6-foot-4 guard as the final player in their three-slot two-way rotation. Akins, who previously played for the Motor City Cruise, will split his time between the NBA club and their G League affiliate.

Why it matters

This signing provides the organization with additional depth and developmental opportunities for the young guard. The contract structure allows Akins to remain under team control while gaining critical experience in both the professional and developmental leagues.

Akins averaged 11.3 points across three summer league games and 14.7 points in 33 games for the Motor City Cruise. He is eligible to play in up to 50 NBA regular-season games this year.

The players

Jaden Akins

He is a 23-year-old professional basketball player who previously played for the Motor City Cruise.

New York Knicks

This is a professional basketball team based in New York City that competes in the NBA.

Tyler Nickel

He is a professional basketball player signed by the Knicks to a two-way contract.

Kevin McCullar Jr.

He is a professional basketball player currently under a two-way contract with the Knicks.

The details

Akins, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 195 pounds, earned this opportunity after a standout performance that included a career-high 35-point game in January. He joins Tyler Nickel and Kevin McCullar Jr. as the Knicks' active two-way players after competing in summer league play for the team.

January 3: Akins set a career high with 35 points against Westchester.
September: Westchester acquired Akins' returning player rights.
September 30, 2026: The New York Knicks announced the signing of Akins.

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Season Trajectory

This move completes the Knicks' developmental roster, solidifying their depth chart for the upcoming season. The team now has its full complement of two-way players available to rotate into the NBA lineup as needed for injury relief or strategic depth.

Akins is now eligible for up to 50 NBA regular-season appearances for the Knicks. This signing finalizes the team's three-player two-way roster, which dictates the total pool of players available to transition between the G League and the main NBA squad.

The takeaway

The addition of Akins highlights the Knicks' commitment to building bench depth through the G League pipeline. Fans should track his progress to see if he utilizes his full 50-game eligibility during the regular season.