The New York Knicks do not seem to be done adding guard depth despite acquiring Mikal Bridges and drafting Tyler Kolek. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Knicks are among the teams that have shown a level of interest in free agent guard Landry Shamet.
“Free agent guard Landry Shamet has received exploratory interest from the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto reported. “The Knicks have explored adding more shooting to their roster by expressing interest in Shamet and Latvian forward Davis Bertans, as previously reported by HoopsHype.”
Landry Shamet’s shooting prowess could make him a good depth signing
The Knicks’ second unit is currently very guard-heavy, as it consists of Miles McBride, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart, with the possibility that the recently drafted Kolek will find his way into the rotation at some point as well. If Shamet were to sign with the Knicks, it might be tough for him to carve out a consistent role on a team that is one of the deepest in the NBA, though he would serve as a luxurious depth piece in the event of an injury to a key rotation player.
Many teams have admired Shamet’s shooting prowess, as he has been on five different teams throughout his six-year career. Last season, he played 46 games including five starts with the Washington Wizards, where he averaged 8.7 points and shot 34% from three. However, his usage was significantly lower than his career averages, as he attempted only 3.4 threes per game with Washington compared to 4.9 attempts for his career.
Unfortunately for Shamet, his volume wouldn’t exactly rise further if he were to be on the Knicks as they have the guard spots filled up. Sighing Shamet to a cheap deal would strictly be a depth move, and it is unlikely he would crack serious minutes in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation as he is not particularly known for defensive abilities.
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The Knicks have increased flexibility thanks to Brunson’s extension
It wouldn’t hurt the Knicks to make a cheap signing, however, as star guard Jalen Brunson sacrificed over $113 million by signing his max extension of four years and $156 million. If he waited until next offseason, he would’ve been eligible to sign an extension of up to five years and $269 million.
With him taking the cheaper extension, the Knicks avoid overlapping the second apron and have the financial flexibility to continue adding to a potential championship roster for the years to come.
Teams would love to have additional shooting at their disposal at all times, and as the offseason progresses, look for New York to possibly snag a cheap free agent that can enhance their perimeter scoring.
