The New York Knicks are canvassing the free-agent market for minimum-salary guards, keeping Malik Beasley atop their wish list but preparing alternatives as they round out the roster under new head coach Mike Brown.
Backup plans on the board
According to James Edwards III of The Athletic, New York is evaluating several experienced backcourt targets. Landry Shamet and Delon Wright—both familiar with former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau—are viewed as potential fallback choices if Beasley is not signed. Wright could address the team’s limited depth behind starter Jalen Brunson and second-year guard Tyler Kolek.
Additional names linked to the Knicks include Alec Burks, Monte Morris, Seth Curry, Malcolm Brogdon and Ben Simmons. Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News noted that Shamet and Wright might provide the cleanest fits in high-leverage situations.
Edwards added that only one of the club’s young trio—Kolek, Pacome Dadiet or Ariel Hukporti—is expected to crack Brown’s rotation this season, with nine established veterans already penciled into roles.
Beasley’s unresolved issues
Beasley’s availability is clouded by an ongoing federal probe into suspicious prop-bet activity. ESPN recently reported that he is no longer viewed as a primary target of the investigation, yet Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports clarified that the guard remains under review even if prosecutors lack sufficient evidence to name him a likely defendant. Attorney Steve Haney told The Detroit News the uncertainty has left his client in “purgatory,” contributing to league-wide hesitation despite no formal barrier to signing him.
Separate reports have also pointed to alleged unpaid debts—ranging from a barber to a dentist—plus an eviction dispute. Haney labeled those accounts exaggerated and said Beasley is addressing each matter, insisting, “It is not fair to characterize him as being broke.”
Lakers fill final camp spot
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Lakers signed center Kylor Kelley to a training-camp contract, the team announced. The 27-year-old appeared in 11 games last season with the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks, recording a double-double in his first NBA start for Dallas in February. Kelley’s deal brings the Lakers’ camp roster to the maximum 21 players.
Source: Hoops Wire
