Knicks look to fill Roster gap with two free agents after Shamet’s departure

After the conclusion of their preseason on Saturday, the New York Knicks waived Landry Shamet, who was on an Exhibit 9 contract with the franchise. Seeing how the Knicks waived Shamet, the team only had to pay him $15,000 and still have extra funds for signing free agents.

It’s worth noting that during the preseason, Shamet dislocated his shoulder in a game against the Charlotte Hornets. If the injury isn’t as bad as its seems, the Knicks could still consider saving a spot for Shamet on their roster; otherwise, they could go and explore the free agent market.

Due to the Mikal Bridges trade, the New York Knicks have approximately $3.5 million budget to spend, which is sufficient for them to convert a rookie contract and sign one of their preferred free agents. According to the New York Post, the Knicks are hoping to recruit Marcus Morris Sr. or Lonnie Walker IV.

Before Shamet was with the Knicks, he was acquired by the Washington Wizards in a trade with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns traded Shamet, along with Chris Paul, four first-round pick swaps, and six second-round picks, to the Wizards in exchange for Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd. Ultimately, however, the Wizards waived Shamet a few weeks later.

A look at the New York Knicks’ prospected free agents

With Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges in the New York Knicks roster, the team still needs one player to complete their scoring trio. The Knicks are currently looking at free agents Lonnie Walker IV and Marcus Morris Sr. to fill the gap.

Morris and Walker are seemingly great picks for the Knicks. Morris is a seasoned veteran who can reinforce the Knicks in the paint alongside the team’s other big men. He played for the Knicks in the 2019-2020 season, at one time scoring his career-high 38 points in a loss against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Knicks had re-signed him in September, only to waive him two weeks later.

Walker is an ideal choice if they are looking for someone younger. In the 2022-23 season, He helped the Los Angeles Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals, shocking the NBA fans who didn’t expect them to make the playoffs due to their poor regular season. He proved to be a powerful offensive option for the Lakers back then.

If the New York Knicks are looking for youth and more firepower, then they could go for Walker. The team has a few days left to finalize their roster before the new NBA season begins.

The Knicks’ first game of the 2024-25 NBA regular season will be against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, October 22.