Knicks add more shooting, sign Svi Mykhailiuk to partially guaranteed contract

Svi Mykhailiuk, New York Knicks
Jan 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Svi Mykhailiuk (14) dribbles the ball away from New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes (6) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks are taking a flier on Svi Mykhailiuk after the Toronto Raptors waived the Ukrainian wing.

The 6-foot-7 Mykhailiuk agreed to a one-year, partially guaranteed deal with the Knicks on Sunday.

The Athletic first reported the news.

Mykhailiuk teamed up with Alex Len in leading Ukraine to the Round of 16 in the Eurobasket. A hard-nosed defender, which Tom Thibodeau loves, Mykhailiuk led the Eurobasket in steals with 2.2 per game along with 17.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He also shot 34.1 percent from deep.

The Raptors waived Mykhailiuk after his three-point shooting dipped last season to 30.6% last season from 33.4% in the previous season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mykhailiuk is a 35.3 percent three-point shooter on 3.7 attempts across four seasons in the NBA. He enjoyed his best year in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons in the 2019-20 season, averaging a career-high 9.0 points anchored on 40.4 percent three-point shooting in 56 games, including 27 starts.

If Mykhailiuk sticks around, he’ll get the Knicks’ 15th roster spot, joining Ryan Arcidiacono, who signed a one-year veteran minimum deal on Saturday, Miles McBride, and Jericho Sims as depth pieces.

Feron Hunt and rookie Trevor Keels serve as the Knicks’ two-way players in the upcoming season.

DaQuan Jeffries will likely be relegated to the NBA G League with the Westchester Knicks.

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo