Knicks Could Reportedly Trigger Trade And Create Space To Retain Two Veteran Guards

The New York Knicks have had a fairly active offseason. With significant personnel changes in the coaching staff and roster reinforcements this summer, the Knicks appear to be preparing for a title push. 

As training camp looms, the Knicks could reportedly make some moves to finalize their roster. According to the NY Post's Stefan Bondy, New York could trigger some trades to complete the signings of Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet to guaranteed deals.

"The Knicks, bottom line, are hard-capped at about $207.8 million," Bondy wrote of New York's current situation. "The NBA and players union don’t want you to use 'hard cap' since they’re trying to pretend it doesn’t exist in their CBA, but that’s the reality of the Knicks’ situation."

"After spreading money to their 12 current guaranteed contracts, the Knicks are left with two roster spots to fill and the space to sign just one veteran minimum."

Bondy had earlier reported on the sheer number of guards the Knicks had invited to their training camp. Among the several names, such as Garrison Mathews and Matt Ryan, veteran guards Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet have been viewed as priority targets that New York wishes to retain.

Brogdon has drawn significant interest in the free agent market this offseason. Given his competence as a floor general and a solid defensive presence, the Knicks could benefit from signing him. 

In the 2024-25 season, the former 6MOY made 24 appearances and averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists per game while shooting 43.3% from the field. Although his injury history could raise some concerns, New York seems convinced of his ability to be a contributor.

Meanwhile, Shamet was part of New York's rotation last season. After positioning himself as a solid perimeter threat, the guard performed his role, as he averaged 5.7 points on 39.7% shooting from three-point range.

As positive as these signings would be for the Knicks, as mentioned earlier, the franchise needs to clear enough cap space to retain the two even after training camp.

Since trades appear to be the only viable method of clearing up the cap space, Knicks guards Miles McBride, Pacome Dadiet, and Tyler Kolek seem to be on the trade block.

SNY's Ian Begley reported this and wrote, "A trade of either Pacome Dadiet or Miles McBride would clear enough cap space to sign both veterans. The Knicks can also trade Tyler Kolek and have enough space under the second apron to sign both Brogdon and Shamet." 

Begley acknowledged the impact of trading each of the three players, but added that trading Kolek and signing both veterans (Brogdon and Shamet) would only leave the Knicks marginally under the second apron, which may not be ideal.

McBride played a significant role for the team in the 2024-25 season. Coming off the bench, he played 24.9 minutes and averaged 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 40.6% overall and 36.9% from three.

Among the three potential trade targets, McBride has proven himself a solid 3-and-D role player, likely to garner interest from other teams. Given that he is expected to see a reduced role next season, due to Jordan Clarkson's addition this summer, trading McBride may be considered a priority.

As such, Dadiet may not find himself on the trade block, primarily due to New York's investment in developing him. This sets the stage for Kolek to potentially be packaged with McBride instead.

This situation indicates that the Knicks are willing to take some drastic steps to strengthen their roster. Coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, New York is aware that it has all the necessary pieces to contend for the title. 

Additionally, the upcoming season holds more significance, especially with the unique opportunity in front of them. With several major teams falling out of contention due to a variety of roster issues, the Knicks are primed to be among the favorites to win it all.

With the right approach and outlook, New York could put an end to a long championship drought in the upcoming season.