Mitchell Robinson’s injury reminded us that the Knicks had another big on the roster. Ariel Hukporti was not a name fans were familiar with until this incident. Now he’s expected to start in Robinson’s place in the upcoming Knicks game. The 23-year-old has already had a few NBA starts after a prolific overseas career. It’s only the nature of his contract that’s changed.
Ariel Hukporti’s Contract / Ariel Hukporti’s Contract Breakdown
Ariel Washington Hukporti was born on 12 April 2002 in Germany to Tongolese parents. After playing professionally in Germany, Lithuiana and Australia, he was selected by the Mavericks in the 2024 NBA draft. He was 58th overall, the very last pick in the draft. So that weighs into his contract situation.
The Mavs traded him to the Knicks the same day and he’d sign a subsequent two-way contract with. After his NBA debut, that turned into a standard contract in November 2024. He is on a two-year contract with a team option for the 2025-26 season. The contract is reportedly worth $3 million approximately. He would’ve earned a guaranteed $1,064,049 this past 2024-25.
Ariel Hukporti’s Salary/ What is Ariel Hukporti’s Salary?
Hukporti is expected to make about $1,9 million this season. He spent a most of his time in the G-League since his standard contract. When he finally made his first career start in February 2025, he made 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block. In this same game, he suffered a torn meniscus and was sidelined for more than a month.
The upgrade to a standard contract, joining the starting lineup this year, and potentially replacing Mitchell Robinson while he recovers from ankle surgery indicates the Knicks are betting on his potential. He’d have to put up an impressive performance to convert that team option into an extension at the end of the season.
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Ariel Hukporti’s College and Professional Career/A look at Ariel Hukporti’s College and Professional Career
After repping Germany at the U16 and U19 levels, Hukporti got his first professional start in 2018 with Riesen Ludwigsburg in the Basketball Champions League. In 2020, he went to Lithuania when he signed with the Nevėžis Kėdainiai but saw no minutes.
The following year, the center went down under to play for Melbourne United in Australia’s NBL, the same league Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony is an ambassador of. His ACL though stalled him in 2023.
Hukporti was ‘loaned’ back to his old team, Riesen Ludwigsburg in 2024. After the loan ran out, he entered the 2024 NBA draft which brings us here.
The concern is that Ariel nearly hasn’t played enough to show what he’s capable of. But if the Knicks have one thing going for them, it’s their deep rotation of bigs. Their faith in him when Karl-Anthony Towns could’ve easily gone to the five proves there’s something in Ariel Hukporti that the Knicks can see.
What is Ariel Hukporti’s Contract and Salary in 2025?
