Recently, the New York Knicks added Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet on non-guaranteed contracts ahead of training camp. Due to the Knicks‘ salary cap restrictions, they will need to make a trade if they want to keep the two veterans for the upcoming season.
In a September 17 article from SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks‘ insider shared his confidence that both Brogdon and Shamet will stick with the roster for the upcoming season. Therefore, New York will likely need to make a trade.
“A trade of either Pacome Dadiet or Miles McBride would clear enough cap space to sign both veterans,” Begley wrote. The Knicks can also trade Tyler Kolek and have enough space under the second apron to sign both Brogdon and Shamet…I don’t think the Knicks will make a trade ahead of training camp. I’d expect them to let things play out during camp/preseason before they make a move to keep both Brogdon and Shamet. But if I’m betting today, I’m betting that both Brodgon and Shamet are on the regular season roster.”
The Knicks have enjoyed a strong offseason. The front office has added Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson to the rotation. Finding a way to keep Brogdon and Shamet would ensure Mike Brown has some elite depth at his disposal.
Knicks Struck Out on Ben Simmons
Before the Knicks signed Brogdon, they were reportedly in the market to acquire Ben Simmons. The former Rookie of the Year is currently an unrestricted free agent. However, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein, Simmons rejected the offer from New York.
The Knicks, league sources said, indeed offered a one-year contract to Ben Simmons that the former All-Star passed on,” Stein reported.
New York clearly pivoted to Brogdon. Nevertheless, both Simmons and Brogdon have significant injury histories, and therefore, the Knicks must be smart with the role they ask Brogdon to fill and the minutes he’s afforded on a game-to-game basis.
Knicks Have a Chance to Contend This Season
Mike Brown will enter his debut season as the Knicks‘ head coach with significant pressure on his shoulders. Last season, under Tom Thibodeau, New York made a run to the Eastern Conference finals. With some fresh roster additions, the Knicks will be expected to go one step further this time around.
After all, injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton have left the Eastern Conference somewhat wide open. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers should be seen as a viable roadblock for New York’s deep and talented roster.
If Brown can build on the foundations Thibodeau built, find ways to involve the second unit more and strike a balance between offense and defense, the Knicks will be tough to beat.
The Knicks have slowly built up to their current position over recent years. Now is the time for them to stake a claim for a long-awaited championship run. The talent is there, the coaching staff is talented and experienced, and the pathway seems to be open. Expectations will be high, but that’s the price you pay when leading the Knicks roster, especially one this competitive.
Recently Added Veterans Expected to Stick With Knicks