The New York Knicks are one of the few NBA teams that have plenty of work to do before training camp begins. The Knicks have 12 players on standard contracts, though just 11 are fully guaranteed. However, the Knicks are just $3.2 million below the second apron, where they are hard-capped.
Knicks Reportedly Eying 2 Players To Fill Out Roster, Including One Of Top 2025 EuroLeague Bigs
Therefore, New York needs to add two players on standard contracts by the first week of November. The NBA’s CBA requires teams to carry at least 14 players on their 15-man roster. However, the CBA does allow a certain amount of leeway. Teams can have fewer than 14 players on a standard deal for 28 days, but they can’t have fewer than 14 players on a deal for more than 14 consecutive days.
New York has enough room to sign a veteran and add a player on a rookie deal. The Knicks faced similar circumstances after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns at the beginning of training camp.
New York began last season with 13 players on NBA deals and didn’t add a 14th player until November 5, when they converted Ariel Hukporti’s two-way deal to a standard contract. The Knicks waited until just before Christmas before carrying a full squad when they signed Landry Shamet.
Speaking of Shamet, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported on Tuesday that the 28-year-old wing is under heavy consideration for the Knicks’ final veteran spot. Shamet was a valuable part of the Knicks’ second unit, providing shooting and some scoring. He averaged 5.7 points and 1.2 threes, with shooting splits of 46.1/39.7/66.7.
Shamet would be an excellent fit for the Knicks this year. He is the consummate professional and knows his role. He would also sign another minimum deal to remain in the league.
The Knicks are nine deep right now, which is deeper than they were a year ago. So, Shamet would immediately become either the 10th or 11th man if he signed.
Knicks Other Options
While Ben Simmons has rebuffed the Knicks and Malik Beasley reportedly wants more money than New York can offer, they do have other options. Malcolm Brogdon has been previously linked to them. But, as Hooprumors Dana Gaurader mentioned, Delon Wright and Cam Payne are also still available.
Brogdon is an outstanding shooter, ballhandler, and facilitator. But the 32-year-old has struggled to stay healthy the past two years, appearing in just 63 games. He has also been linked to other teams, specifically the Golden State Warriors.
Here is the thing: with Jordan Clarkson and Miles McBride already in the fold, Brogdon really isn’t a good fit. As none of the three players is great defensively. The same can be said for Payne.
Payne is a high-volume shooter. The 30-year-old point guard is a good facilitator but struggles with ball-handling and on the defensive end.
Like Shamet, Wright would be an excellent addition to this year. Wright is a solid point of attack defender and an exceptional ballhandler. However, Shamet is a better option.
A New Potential Target Emerges?
Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported that the Knicks are among a few teams interested in Israeli center Roman Sorkin. Begley added that New York was not the only team interested in the 6-10 forward who saw limited time in his time at Oregon.
“After a strong showing in Eurobasket with Israeli National Team, Maccabi Tel Aviv PF/C Roman Sorkin has garnered interest from POR, NYK & MIA per league sources,” Begley tweeted. “Sorkin, under contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv, was one of the top bigs in Euroleague last season.”
Roman Sorkin
Sorkin averaged 16.5 points and 6.0 rebounds (2.0 offensive) in six games as he helped Israel to the EuroBasket 2025 Round of 16. Sorkin, who produced one double-double, showed some ability to stretch the floor with 1.2 threes a game while shooting 51.4/31.4/78.3 from the field. He scored in double figures five times, but his best outing came against Iceland, where he poured in 31 points on 13 of 19 shooting, including 4 of 7 from deep.
Sorkin is an athletic big man who had a career year last season with Macabi Tel Aviv. The 29-year-old excels on the offensive boards and is a solid rim-protector. While he has improved his shooting range, he remains an average shooter and does not consistently get to the free-throw line. Ball-handling and defense are also issues.
Sorkin is in the final year of his contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Even if Sorkin could get out of his current deal, he is a borderline NBA player at best.
New York does have two open two-way spots remaining. Kevin McCullar Jr. is returning on a minor league deal. However, the Knicks have also reportedly agreed to a deal with 2025 second-round pick Mohammad Diawara and brought over James Nnaji from Europe this summer.
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