The New York Knicks are in win-now mode following their Eastern Conference finals loss to the Indiana Pacers last season.
With the Boston Celtics and Pacers both falling out of contender status due to Achilles injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, the Knicks have emerged as a favorite to make it out of the wide-open Eastern Conference. New York has loaded up on depth this offseason while remaining below the dreaded second apron, and the organization may not be done making moves.
The team recently signed Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet to non-guaranteed training camp contracts. However, the Knicks could look to keep both on guaranteed deals this season, which would require trading away a player currently on the regular-season roster.
MORE: Knicks' star Jalen Brunson projected to remain No. 1 option for years
Knicks urged to keep Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet
The Knicks are ready to take the next leap with Jalen Brunson leading the way, and Ian Begley of SportsNet New York believes Brogdon and Shamet could help them get there.
“I’d expect them to let things play out during camp/preseason before they made a move to keep both Brogdon and Shamet,” he wrote. “But if I’m betting today, I’m betting that both Brogdon and Shamet are on the regular season roster.”
The Knicks are ready to contend for a title now, and they could trade Tyler Kolek to make room for both Brogdon and Shamet while staying just below the second apron. While they wouldn’t have room to sign another player later in the season, it would give them two veteran backcourt reserves now.
The Knicks have tradable pieces to make room for both Brogdon and Shamet. The club could trade a long-term project like Pacome Dadiet or Kolek, as neither is expected to play a meaningful role in the near future.
Even if New York doesn’t add the two backcourt options, the team will still be well-positioned for a potential NBA Finals run. Still, signing Brogdon and Shamet to guaranteed deals would provide valuable veteran depth.
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