After wrapping up their preseason on Saturday, the New York Knicks released Landry Shamet, who was on an Exhibit 9 contract with the team. By waiving Shamet, the Knicks only needed to pay him $15,000, allowing them to retain additional funds for signing free agents.
It’s important to mention that Shamet dislocated his shoulder during a preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets. If the injury turns out to be less severe than expected, the Knicks might consider keeping him on their roster; otherwise, they could explore options in the free agent market.
Thanks to the Mikal Bridges trade, the Knicks have about $3.5 million available to spend, which is enough to convert a rookie contract and sign one of their targeted free agents. According to the New York Post, the team is looking to sign Marcus Morris Sr. or Lonnie Walker IV.
REPORT: The Knicks could use Landry Shamet’s roster spot to sign another veteran player like “Marcus Morris Sr., Lonnie Walker IV or others”, per @nypost. pic.twitter.com/lTXBBSzXk1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 20, 2024
Prior to his time with the Knicks, Shamet was traded to the Washington Wizards from the Phoenix Suns. In that deal, the Suns sent Shamet, Chris Paul, four first-round pick swaps, and six second-round picks to the Wizards in exchange for Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd. However, the Wizards ended up waiving Shamet a few weeks later.
A look at the New York Knicks’ prospected free agents
With Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges on the roster, the New York Knicks are still in search of one more player to complete their scoring trio. The team is currently considering free agents Lonnie Walker IV and Marcus Morris Sr. to fill this role.
Both Morris and Walker are strong candidates for the Knicks. Morris, a seasoned veteran, can provide support in the paint alongside the team’s other big men. He played for the Knicks during the 2019-2020 season, where he notably scored a career-high 38 points in a loss against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Knicks re-signed him in September, but they waived him just two weeks later.
On the other hand, Walker would be a great fit if the Knicks are aiming for a younger player. During the 2022-23 season, he played a crucial role in helping the Los Angeles Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals, surprising many fans who didn’t expect them to make the playoffs due to a lackluster regular season. He demonstrated his value as a potent offensive weapon during that time.
If the Knicks are looking for youthful energy and additional scoring power, they might lean toward Walker. The team has a few days left to finalize their roster before the new NBA season kicks off.
The Knicks’ first game of the 2024-25 NBA regular season is scheduled against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, October 22.
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