Mohamed Diawara wants to establish himself in New York: « For this season, returning to Europe is not an option »
August 20, 2025
Lilian Bordron
Mohamed Diawara expected to sign rookie contract with the Knicks
NBA - Drafted late in the second round last June, Mohamed Diawara is expected to join the New York Knicks roster for the 2025-2026 season, despite strong competition among veterans.
Photo Credit : New York Knicks
According to SNY, the New York Knicks plan to sign Mohamed Diawara (6’8″, 20 years old) to a guaranteed minimum rookie contract. The young French wing, selected at the very end of the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, seems assured to join the New York roster for the upcoming season.
A roster still in flux
In recent days, the franchise has added several veterans: Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet after signing Guerschon Yabusele earlier this summer. But this accumulation creates a real puzzle as the team is limited by the « second apron » (very restrictive salary cap threshold). To keep veterans like Brogdon and Shamet, New York might have to sacrifice an existing player, such as Pacome Dadiet, Miles McBride, or Tyler Kolek.
In this context, bringing in Mohamed Diawara remains a priority. The former Charenton, Paris, Poitiers, and Cholet player impressed during Summer League. As SNY explains, « the plan heading into training camp is to sign Diawara to a minimum rookie contract. » Unlike veterans on trial, the former Paris player is tied to the Knicks through the Draft, which puts him in a favorable position.
6’9″ 20-year-old Mohamed Diawara is a HIDDEN GEM! pic.twitter.com/74AVNt23Es
— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) July 20, 2025
Strong competition for final roster spots
While Diawara is guaranteed to start preseason, his role for 2025-2026 remains undefined. The Knicks continue to test free agents like Thomas Bryant and Trey Jemison III, while competition for the final rotation spots will be fierce during training camp.
But the situation is clear: barring any major changes, Mohamed Diawara should make his NBA debut this season with New York.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
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