Knicks Waive Brandon Jennings, Bring Back Chasson Randle
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- In the end, the Knicks are getting rid of a veteran player ... but are getting nothing in return.
New York released backup point guard Brandon Jennings on Monday, just a few days after failing to get anything done at the trade deadline. They also re-signed guard Chasson Randle for the rest of the season.
MORE: Schmeelk: Knicks' Move To Cut Jennings Opens Door For Chasson Randle
Jennings confirmed the news of his release on Twitter.
"Thank you to all the Knicks fans for the love all year long, and thanks to my teammates and the organization," he wrote.
"Playing in the Mecca was an amazing experience and I'm looking forward to being back on the court soon playing the game that I love," Jennings added.
Jennings, 27, asked to be waived so that he could sign with a playoff contender, The Undefeated reported.
Signed to a one-year, $5 million contract during the offseason, Jennings averaged 8.6 points and 4.9 assists in 58 games for New York, which is suffering through yet another disappointing season. The veteran guard came off the bench primarily, but did start 11 games.
According to FanRagSports.com, Jennings' playmaking style did not mesh with team president Phil Jackson's triangle offense, which the Knicks are now again emphasizing.
Jackson reportedly tried to trade Jennings prior to Thursday's deadline, but was unable to find a taker. However, some are wondering why Jackson was unsuccessful. Jennings doesn't figure to be a free agent for long, given his experience.
Jennings, who can play both backcourt positions, is averaging 14.8 points and 5.8 assists during his nine-year NBA career.
According to multiple reports, the Knicks also reportedly shopped superstar forward Carmelo Anthony and former league MVP point guard Derrick Rose in the days leading up to the deadline, but were unable to get a deal done.
Randle, 24, was a standout on the Knicks' Summer League team in 2016 and was expected to make the NBA roster last fall before fracturing his orbital bone. The former Stanford star then played for the Knicks' D-League affiliate in Westchester, averaging 21 points per game.
Randle was later signed to two 10-day contracts with the 76ers. In eight games, he averaged 9.3 minutes and 5.3 points.
