The Knicks want to retain both Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet on their 15-man opening night, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. That will require a trade to open up some salary cap space and Bondy’s sources around the league believe it will happen.
The Knicks are hard-capped and can’t exceed the $207.8MM second tax apron threshold. They currently only have enough flexibility below that apron to carry one of their veteran camp invitees on the regular season roster.
Brogdon and Shamet are among a handful of veteran players signed to non-guaranteed contracts to compete for that opening. Garrison Mathews, Matt Ryan and Alex Len were also signed this week. Bondy indicates that Brogdon and Shamet passed on other opportunities and wouldn’t have done so if they were worried about getting cut.
However, the competition for that contract might last until late in training camp. The Knicks could wait to ensure that both guards remain healthy and that Brogdon looks like he’ll bounce back after a lost season with the Wizards in which he played just 24 games. It would also give the other trio a chance to prove they’re worthy of a roster spot.
As for which player might be dealt, Bondy cautions not to rule out a Miles McBride trade. McBride averaged 24.9 minutes per game last season but with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges entrenched as the starters and the addition of Jordan Clarkson (plus possibly Brogdon and/or Shamet), his playing time could be reduced. Plus, he’s eligible for an extension next summer and could be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. The Knicks have so many long-term salary commitments that an extension for McBride could contribute to more cap restrictions down the road.
Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek are the other logical possibilities to be dealt, though neither is likely to command as strong a return as McBride would on the trade market.
The Knicks have stated they are more committed to player development and Dadiet, their 2024 first-round pick, has the highest ceiling among their young reserves. Kolek, a 2024 second-rounder, is only making $2.19MM, so moving him and retaining two veterans would leave New York with barely any breathing room (roughly $44K) below the second apron.
Mitchell Robinson was a name bandied about earlier this summer.. why is he no longer a possibility to be moved? Is it because there is suddenly a glut of guards on the roster?
ShaqFoo:
Why would they trade Mitchell Robinson? They need him. Who would they be replacing him with?
Exactly, the Knicks have minimal front court depth.
They have no other rim protectors and viable replacements aren’t available?
A healthy Brogdon is someone you have to give a good look. McBride gets a real chance at backup PG. Then I don’t see Brogdon beating him out. All this is just noise right now. Training camp will show the reality of the situation. It will work itself out. Diadet is a talent we need to develop and keep. Kolek is a guy who needs to step up. Has to start making a play for mins. Even if it’s on another team. Hukporti is the most ready to help now. He can definitely handle backup C mins. It’s why at some point Mitch will be shopped imo. He’s on an expiring contract. Under this cap Knicks can’t keep him.
Miles Bridges plays for the Hornets
IMO, it’s going to be Duece. I don’t want to lose him, but after this season, his contract is done and leaving anyway for big-time money. If they can get a #1 pick, do it so at least you don’t lose him for nothing. However, keep him trade Kolek and make this season one to remember. LET’S GO KNICKS!!!!
McBride isn’t getting traded for the precise reason that Bondy thinks he will be. His contract. It’s an asset, not the liability that Bondy suggests. All contracts come to an end, but this one has two years left at only marginally above minimum wage. McBride brings many things, but the one that can’t be replaced by minimum wage veterans is his young legs on the defensive end. Brogdon and Shamet are at least good defenders, but neither at his current age is covering super quick PGs. That is a critical role down the stretch of games for the NYK since their PG (Brunson) can’t cover them. There are other guys who might fill the role, but none are going to play for the NYK at minimum wage, or be available at McBride’s salary.
Exactly. 100% correct.
Trading Deuce would be a huge mistake. I’d hate to see Dadiet or Kolek go but they’re prospects at this point, while Deuce is a proven commodity. And one who actually DEFENDS.