Malcolm Brogdon, Pacome Dadiet, Knicks
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Malcolm Brogdon dribbles against Pacome Dadiet of the New York Knicks.
Only one of the recently signed Malcolm Brogdon or Landry Shamet can be guaranteed a spot on the New York Knicks’ opening-night roster. But according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the franchise is already exploring ways to keep both veterans in uniform.
“League sources say that the Knicks have begun to weigh various trade scenarios to provide that needed distance from the second tax apron in the event they wish to keep both Shamet and Brogdon,” Fischer wrote in The Stein Line newsletter. “One of the few possibilities that could be easily executed is parting with 2024 first-round pick Pacôme Dadiet.”
Young Players as Trade Chips
Tyler Kolek, Bronny James, Knicks
Getty Tyler Kolek of the New York Knicks drives against Bronny James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dadiet, the 25th overall pick last year, saw limited action in his rookie campaign. The 20-year-old French wing appeared in 18 games, averaging 1.7 points in 6.2 minutes for a Knicks team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
With New York pushing to contend, Dadiet could be the odd man out. Moving his $2.8 million contract, or the $2.2 million salary of second-year guard Tyler Kolek, would create the necessary financial flexibility. The Knicks would need to trade one of them for draft compensation without taking back salary to open the room required to guarantee both Brogdon’s and Shamet’s deals.
Salary Cap Squeeze
The Knicks’ front office has been operating under tight financial constraints since using their taxpayer midlevel exception this summer to sign French forward Guerschon Yabusele. The team remains hard-capped at the NBA’s second apron, sitting roughly $3.7 million under the threshold.
That cushion leaves room for one veteran minimum signing and a rookie minimum deal for a second-round pick. As ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks noted, Brogdon and Shamet’s contracts will not count against the cap until opening night, giving New York time to maneuver.
Brogdon Brings Experience, Injury Concerns
If no trade materializes, Brogdon appears to be the frontrunner for the final roster spot. The 32-year-old guard, a former Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year, has been a reliable playmaker and defender when healthy.
Last season with the Washington Wizards, Brogdon 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 contests. He has not played more than 70 games in a season since his rookie year.
Still, his 6-foot-10½ wingspan and defensive versatility could be an asset for coach Mike Brown, particularly off a bench that struggled with scoring and perimeter defense in the playoffs.
Shamet’s Familiarity With Knicks
Landry Shamet
Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesThe Knicks re-signed Landry Shamet ahead of training camp.
Shamet, 28, offers a different appeal: familiarity. He signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Knicks last season before a preseason shoulder injury led to his release. The team brought him back in December, and he carved out a role as a floor-spacing guard.
In 36 games, Shamet averaged 5.7 points while hitting 39.7% from beyond the arc. He delivered his best performance in the postseason, scoring 12 points in New York’s Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the conference finals. His ability to stretch defenses makes him a dependable, low-risk option.
More Competition Ahead
The Knicks’ decision could be further complicated by another sharpshooter. According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the Knicks have also agreed to bring in Garrison Mathews on a training camp deal. Mathews is expected to compete with Brogdon and Shamet for the final roster spot.
With limited financial wiggle room and a win-now mindset, the Knicks’ next move could determine whether experience, shooting, or upside wins out.