The New York Knicks have bolstered their backcourt by signing guard Landry Shamet to a standard one-year contract, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
The decision to bring Shamet aboard required some roster adjustments, including waiving forward Matt Ryan to remain under the NBA’s stringent second-apron hard cap, as confirmed by the team’s public relations department.
James Edwards III of The Athletic provided further details about the agreement, which aligns with the Knicks’ strategic roster management.
Shamet’s return to the Knicks is a logical step given his familiarity with the organization. During preseason training camp, Shamet dislocated his shoulder, sidelining him from contention for the opening night roster.
However, the Knicks retained him in their system, assigning him to the Westchester Knicks, their G League affiliate, to focus on his recovery. With Shamet now back at full strength, the NBA team has rewarded his hard work with a spot on the main roster.
Coach Tom Thibodeau hinted at Shamet’s potential return just last week, praising the guard’s recovery while noting the logistical hurdles that needed resolution before Shamet could rejoin the team.
“It’s good to see him out there healthy again,” Thibodeau commented. “(But) there’s a number of things that have to happen before he can play with us.”
Before his injury, Shamet had been a strong candidate to make the Knicks’ opening night roster after signing a non-guaranteed, minimum-salary contract during the offseason.
Despite being waived just before the season began, his performance in training camp and his previous NBA experience made him a logical choice for reintegration once healthy.
Shamet, a proven sharpshooter and reliable role player, appeared in 46 games with the Washington Wizards last season, where he averaged 7.1 points in 15.8 minutes per game.
Throughout his NBA career, which includes stints with Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn, and Phoenix, Shamet has played 348 regular-season games, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and contribute in limited minutes.
To make room for Shamet, the Knicks waived forward Matt Ryan, who had joined the team on a non-guaranteed contract in early November. Ryan played in nine games for the Knicks but saw very limited action during his tenure.
If Ryan goes unclaimed on waivers, he will leave a cap charge of $621,439 in dead money on New York’s books.
The financial implications of Shamet’s addition depend on the exact timing of the signing. If finalized on Monday, his deal will carry a cap charge of $1,343,690 for the Knicks. This careful timing highlights the team’s effort to remain compliant with NBA salary cap rules while still adding a versatile player to their roster.
Shamet’s arrival brings depth and additional shooting to a Knicks team looking to solidify its rotation as the season progresses. Known for his ability to hit key shots and provide defensive effort, the player offers the Knicks a player with postseason experience and a skill set that complements their roster needs.
As the Knicks navigate a highly competitive Eastern Conference, Shamet’s signing could prove to be a savvy move, particularly if he can regain his form and establish himself as a reliable contributor off the bench.
The addition underscores New York’s commitment to improving its depth while remaining financially strategic under the league’s evolving cap rules.
Knicks To Add Shamet, Waive Ryan https://t.co/LnSWnnJRSe pic.twitter.com/YJJ2DoFKdZ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 22, 2024
