The Knicks officially added another guard to the mix.
Shake Milton cleared waivers and was signed Tuesday morning, joining Tom Thibodeau’s roster ahead of its home matchup against the Hawks.
Milton, who was waived by the Pistons last week, is eligible for the playoffs.
The 27-year-old achieved regular playing time with the Sixers for a few seasons, peaking during the 2020-21 campaign when he averaged 13 points and over 23 minutes.
It earned him a $5 million deal with the Timberwolves last summer, but he couldn’t crack the rotation and was dumped in a trade to the Pistons for Monte Morris.
Milton, a 2018 second-round pick out of SMU, has a massive wingspan with upside as a versatile defender, although his jumper has been streaky. He shot just 27% on 3-pointers this season, well below his 38% from 2022-23.
Milton, a client of CAA, the agency closely associated with the Knicks, is being pitched by the team as a “depth move.” At 6-foot-4, he can play either guard spot.
Jalen Brunson, also a CAA client and part of the same 2018 NBA class, said he worked out with Milton during the pre-draft process.
“He brings a lot to the table,” Brunson said. “I’ve known him, played against him in high school on the AAU circuit. He’s a great player.”
Assuming everybody is healthy, there aren’t enough minutes for Burks, McBride and Milton as the backups to Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo.
Brunson, recovering from a knee contusion, is “questionable” for Tuesday against the Hawks.
Without Brunson for virtually the entire game Sunday, Thibodeau played McBride for over 47 minutes.
Burks, who has struggled since his arrival from Detroit in a trade, logged just 11 minutes.
Rayford Young, the father of Atlanta star Trae Young, made it known that he’s a big fan of the move.
Trae is unavailable to play Tuesday at MSG after undergoing surgery on his hand.
“What the hell man? Seriously, how many good players do the (Knicks) need?” Rayford Young tweeted after the news broke over the weekend of New York’s plan to sign Milton. “This is a GREAT signing. Shake Milton can hoop….he’s (a) perfect role (player) for what a lot of teams need in (the NBA).”