Three veterans competing for Knicks' last roster spot

The New York Knicks still have one roster spot up for grabs ahead of the 2024-25 season. On Sunday, the team signed veteran forward Marcus Morris Sr. to an Exhibit 9 contract that is a fully non-guaranteed deal unless he makes the opening night roster on Oct. 22

Morris will compete for the final spot with veteran guard Landry Shamet and former Magic forward Chuma Okeke, two other players who signed non-guaranteed contracts with the Knicks recently.  

The three veterans will battle it out at the Knicks' training camp, which officially gets underway on Oct. 1. If neither of the three make the final 15-man squad, the Knicks have the option of keeping a spot open to not just save money but allow for more roster flexibility at the trade deadline. 

Morris likely has the best odds of making the final cut. 

For starters, he has a history of thriving in a Knicks uniform. During the 2019-20 season, he averaged a career-high 19.6 points after signing with New York as a free agent. However, at the time, the franchise was in rebuild mode and therefore shipped him off to the Clippers for a sizeable haul of players and picks. Now, he returns to a Knicks squad that is a legitimate championship contender. 

Furthermore, Morris could shore up a Knicks frontcourt plagued by injuries and inexperience. While Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle have been perennially hurt the last few years, the likes of Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims are largely unproven, especially in postseason basketball. To make matters worse, the Knicks didn't necessarily replace the void left by departing big man Isaiah Hartenstein. 

On the flip side, Shamet — a career .384 shooter from three — could be an invaluable addition to a Knicks bench that lacks consistent shooting beyond Donte DiVincenzo. As for Okeke, the 27-year-old forward has shown flashes of being an adept perimeter defender in his pro career but his paltry shooting numbers (.383 FG%) have made it challenging for coaches to keep him on the court. Of course, he could still impress Tom Thibodeau at training camp and make the final cut. 

The Knicks could finalize the roster before their preseason opener against the Hornets on Oct. 6.