Knicks passed on Thomas Bryant before loading up on backcourt depth

The Knicks kicked the tires on free agent center Thomas Bryant, but ultimately decided to move in another direction, according to The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer.

Instead of adding frontcourt size, New York opted to shore up its perimeter depth, signing guards Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet, along with wing Garrison Mathews, all to non-guaranteed deals. Those three will compete for one regular-season roster spot in training camp.

As it stands, the Knicks have 12 guaranteed contracts and only enough apron space to keep one veteran minimum player on the 13th spot. The 14th slot is expected to go to second-round pick Mohamed Diawara, meaning Brogdon, Shamet, and Mathews are all battling for that single opening.

Bryant, meanwhile, “really impressed” New York during open gym runs, per Fischer, so it’s not impossible his name resurfaces if the Knicks eventually look to add another big behind Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein.