New York Knicks rookie forward Mohamed Diawara has earned a one-year rookie NBA deal with the team, elevating him from an Exhibit 10 contract, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
Diawara was drafted with the 51st overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after playing in France last season. For Cholet Basket, Diawara averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 27 appearances. His flashes of two-way ability and versatility enticed the Knicks to use their second-round pick on him.
Diawara then joined the Knicks in Summer League and was impressive, averaging 7.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in four Summer League games.
In the preseason, Diawara also made a strong impression on new head coach Mike Brown, who rewarded Diawara with a starting lineup appearance for the team’s preseason finale against the Charlotte Hornets. In that game, Diawara had eight points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in 21 minutes of action. He appeared in all five of the Knicks’ preseason games.
Diawara will now be a part of a Knicks team that is looking to snap its 52-season title drought in 2026. So far, the rookie has made strong impression on the team’s coaching staff. If it continues, Diawara could eventually work his way up into the regular rotation.