New York Knicks 2015/2016 Roster News: Darion Atkins & Wesley Saunders Join New Season

On Thursday, the New York Knicks signed forward Darion Atkins of Virginia Cavaliers and guard/forward Wesley Saunders, former Harvard Crimson. These two players join the 2015/2016 season roster. Read more about this news below.

Although the terms of the deal have not been disclosed, ESPN's Ian Begley reported the contracts are training-camp deals.

The Knicks' official public relations Twitter account captured images of the players as they signed their deals:

According to NBA.com, Saunders went to the NCAA men's basketball tournament with Harvard in all four of his years at the Ivy League. He led Crimson in scoring in his final three seasons. The 6-foot-5 guard/forward averaged 16.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Saunders also appeared in 6 summer league games for Utah, averaging 2.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 15.3 minutes. But the last time the Knicks picked up a former Harvard player (Jeremy Lin) they immediately traded him off at the first chance they got... As if Linsanity meant nothing to the Knicks.

According to Yahoo Sports, Atkins is a forward who won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year Award last season and averaged 7.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks per contest and played an average of 23.9 minutes. He led the Portsmouth Invitational by scoring at 20.0 points, and averaging 2.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 12.7 minutes in 9 Summer League games for San Antonio.

Although this may not seem like much, the two players could definitely make some impact for the Knicks.

Seems like the Knicks are spending their time (and money) on potentials who may benefit the Knicks in the future, as opposed to the present (especially with their decision to draft Kristaps Porzingis). According to Grantland's Zach Lowe, rumor has it that the Knicks are contemplating trading their star forward, Carmelo Anthony: "...unless the Knicks are ready to engage in Carmelo Anthony trade talks. (They're not there, yet. But they're getting closer.)"

Now, Saunders is nowhere near Anthony's level, according to the Bleacher Report, "he's a solid developmental prospect whom the team can deploy at the 3 or the 2, a position with minimal depth behind Arron Afflalo," so trading Melo would cause the Knicks too much harm... especially trading him off this upcoming season.

Here's what Melo had to say about the rumors:

 "Melo bout to put in work in for the Knicks #StayMe7o"