Knicks Deciding Between Two Veteran Free Agents For Final Roster Spot, Which Direction Should They go?

New York has 12 players on a standard contract with a salary cap hit of $204.1 million. The Knicks are hard-capped at the NBA’s second apron ($207.8 million). As Begley said, the $3.7 million allows the Knicks to sign a veteran at the league minimum and a draft pick.

With the details of Diawara’s contract unspecified, it means that the 2025 second-round selection will receive a standard contract. Diawara is an athletic forward who is still very raw. Besides, Begley believes Kevin McCullar Jr., who has received a qualifying offer from the Knicks, is the better choice to get a standard contract. Therefore, Diawara would get a two-way deal, and that makes the most sense as the 20-year-old Frenchman will likely spend most of the season with the G-League Westchester Knicks.

McCullar, the No. 56 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, was on a two-way deal last season. McCullar averaged 11.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals in 28 minutes over 13 appearances with Westchester. The 24-year-old, who appeared in four games with the Knicks last season, produced a couple of good 2025 Summer League contests, but he struggled beyond the arc and with turnovers.

 What Do The Knicks Need?

New York addressed its biggest issue this offseason, which was its bench. The Knicks only went eight deep during the regular season, and Tom Thibodeau used seven players during their postseason run.

With the additions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabulese, the Knicks are now a nine-deep team and have seven players capable of playing multiple positions. However, the Knicks could use another defender.

Simmons would be a perfect fit for the Knicks. Simmons can guard all five positions and doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. With offensive-minded players, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges on the squad, the Knicks also could use someone who can rebound and contribute off the ball.

Simmons is at his best close to the basket on the offensive end and is a fantastic cutter. He is also an outstanding playmaker and defensive rebounder. When healthy, which has been a big issue for the 29-year-old, he is an All-NBA-type performer.

Here is the thing: Simmons has plenty of suitors. While Simmons would be an excellent addition for the Knicks, he may choose a team that can offer more money or a “better situation.”

Meanwhile, Begley said several staffers are interested in bringing back Shamet for a second season. Shamet, a 3-and-D wing, would provide the Knicks a consistent veteran shooter off the bench. He averaged 5.7 points and 1.2 threes a contest with shooting splits of 46.1/39.7/66.7. Additionally, he had nine double-figure scoring games, topping the 20-point mark twice.