NEW YORK — The Knicks spent the summer rebuilding depth, not making trades. Their bench ranked last in scoring last season. Now the Knicks front office has flooded training camp with veterans like Malcolm Brogdon. Only one may stick.
Malcolm Brogdon Highlights Knicks’ Roster Crunch Ahead Of Camp
A Flurry Of Late Signings
Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported the Knicks signed Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews to short-term deals. Shamet’s is non-guaranteed. Mathews received an Exhibit 10.
Hours later, Shams Charania revealed the Knicks had signed Malcolm Brogdon to a one-year veteran minimum deal. Knicks Insider Ian Begley clarified the deal is also non-guaranteed.
Knicks add veteran Malcolm Brogdon on 1-year deal for backcourt depth – via ESPN https://t.co/GMCK8C5o0O
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 12, 2025
That means Brogdon, Shamet, and Mathews enter camp battling for what could be a single roster spot. Or two spots, depending on the next roster move the Knicks make.
The Knicks’ Cap Squeeze
The Knicks signing Malcolm Brogdon highlights their financial tightrope. New York sits less than $4 million under the second tax apron. That line is firm. They can’t cross it due to their hard cap.
Twelve guaranteed contracts already fill the roster. NBA rules allow 15, plus three two-way slots. But the apron adds complexity. To keep both Brogdon and Shamet, the Knicks must trade someone.
Who Could Be Moved?
Pacôme Dadiet is the most obvious candidate. The French forward, last year’s No. 25 pick, struggled from behind-the-arc in both the NBA and G League. His jumper never settled. At 20, he remains young enough to develop. But the Knicks are in win-now mode. Development takes a backseat to production.
Another option is Tyler Kolek. Trading him would create the space to keep Brogdon and Shamet. The cost? New York would sit just $44,000 under the apron.
That razor-thin margin would block them from adding another veteran on a prorated deal later in the year. The Knicks used that strategy last season with P.J. Tucker. Flexibility late in the year can matter.
Why The Decision Matters
Brogdon brings steadiness, size, and experience. Shamet offers shooting and familiarity with the organization. Both fit, but roster math won’t allow everyone. The Knicks’ Malcolm Brogdon experiment may hinge on a trade. Without it, one veteran walks.
Training camp is now a proving ground. The roster battle reflects a bigger truth: New York is balancing today’s depth with tomorrow’s flexibility.
Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
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