The competition for the New York Knicks’ final roster spot just became more crowded.
On Friday, the Knicks signed free agent guard Malcolm Brogdon to a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The contract mirrors the non-guaranteed deal agreed to by guard Landry Shamet a day earlier, SNY’s Ian Begley reported. Both veterans are expected to receive strong consideration as New York finalizes its roster ahead of training camp.
“He will obviously get strong consideration for a roster spot. Landry Shamet will also get strong consideration for the spot,” Begley wrote on X. “If the Knicks don’t make a trade, they will have to choose between the two vets. Knicks have been looking for backup vet PG, obviously get one in Brogdon.”
Tight Financial Picture Shapes Options
The Knicks’ front office has been working under a narrow financial window. After using their taxpayer midlevel exception this summer to sign French forward Guerschon Yabusele, the franchise remains hard-capped at the NBA’s second apron.
New York sits about $3.7 million under that threshold, leaving enough flexibility to sign one veteran to the minimum and sign one of its second-round draft picks to a rookie minimum deal. ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks pointed out that Brogdon and Shamet’s contracts will not count against the salary cap until they are guaranteed on opening night.
If the Knicks opt to keep both guards, the team would likely need to clear money elsewhere, raising the possibility of a small trade before the season begins.
Past Interest in Simmons Fizzles Out
The Knicks’ search for backcourt depth has included more ambitious targets earlier in the offseason. Begley reported that New York held dialogue with three-time All-Star Ben Simmons, but the former Rookie of the Year “passed on” in a veteran minimum contract, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. However, Begley clarified the Knicks never made a formal offer to Simmons.
“Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon among those on NYK radar for its lone roster spot,” Begley wrote on X. With Simmons off the table, the Knicks turned to proven veterans willing to accept non-guaranteed deals.
Brogdon Brings Experience With Injury Risk
Getty Malcolm Brogdon will fight for the Knicks‘ last roster spot.
Brogdon, 32, has been a steady contributor when healthy, but injuries have defined much of his recent career. Last season with the Washington Wizards, he appeared in just 24 games, averaging 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 28.6% from three-point range. A left ankle sprain sidelined him for the final 28 games of the campaign.
The 2017 Rookie of the Year and 2023 Sixth Man of the Year has not played more than 70 games in a season since his first year in the league. Still, his size, 6-foot-10.5 wingspan, and defensive versatility could make him a valuable piece for Mike Brown’s rotation, particularly on a bench that struggled with scoring and perimeter defense in the playoffs.
Shamet a Familiar Option for New York
Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesLandry Shamet returns to the Knicks on another non-guaranteed deal.
Shamet, 28, has already worn a Knicks jersey. He signed a non-guaranteed contract with the team last season but dislocated his shoulder in the preseason and was waived. The Knicks brought him back in December, and he emerged as a dependable shooter off the bench.
In 36 games, Shamet averaged 5.7 points while hitting 39.7% from three-point range. His biggest moment came in the postseason, when he scored 12 points in the Knicks’ Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a safe, low-risk option for the second unit.
According to Begley, Shamet had multiple options in free agency but valued the continuity of returning to New York. “He wanted to return to a locker room he liked and to help the Knicks compete for a title,” Begley wrote on X.
Training Camp Competition Heats Up
The Knicks’ competition for the final roster spot will not be limited to Brogdon and Shamet.
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, New York has also agreed to bring in sharpshooter Garrison Mathews on a training camp deal.
NBA teams can carry up to 21 players during training camp before trimming to 15 standard roster spots and three two-way contracts. Camp is set to open later this month, giving Mike Brown and the Knicks’ front office time to evaluate which veteran guard best fits the team’s long-term needs.
For now, the Knicks have positioned themselves to choose between proven experience and perimeter shooting, with Brogdon and Shamet battling for one of the most closely watched jobs on the roster.
Knicks’ Roster Battle Heats Up After Sixth Man of the Year Signing