Community Shootaround: Knicks Roster Spot

The Knicks have an unusual roster situation with training camps opening late this month.

They have only 12 players on standard contracts, yet they can only sign one more player on a veteran’s minimum contract. How so? They are hard-capped at the second tax apron, since they used the taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Guerschon Yabusele.

They are currently operating roughly $3.72MM below their hard cap, while veteran’s minimum contracts would count as $2,296,274 apiece. Thus, they’ll have to fill their 14th roster spot with a draft-rights-held rookie on a minimum contract ($1,272,870) unless they make a trade for cap relief.

Quite a few free agents have been mentioned as candidates for that veteran contract, mostly guards and wings.

Malik Beasley is no longer the target of a federal gambling investigation but his future in the league remains cloudy. However, Beasley – who had the second-most 3-pointers in the league last season – would be an obvious boost to any bench.

The Knicks could instead pivot to a more familiar face. Shooting guard Landry Shamet and point guards Cameron Payne and Delon Wright are still available and each wore a New York uniform last season.

Malcolm Brogdon and Ben Simmons could also be considerations for the 13th spot. And there are plenty of other players looking for a deal — check out the list here.

That brings us to today’s topic: Which free agent should the Knicks sign to a veteran’s minimum contract with their available roster spot?

Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.

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