The New York Knicks are exploring trade possibilities to carve out cap space following agreements with guards Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews, league sources told multiple outlets.
New York finalized the three deals within the past 24 hours, but current payroll figures leave the club with room for only one of the veterans on the opening-night roster while staying below the NBA’s second tax apron.
According to reporting by the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy, executives around the league expect the Knicks to shed salary so they can keep Brogdon and one of the two shooters, Shamet or Mathews. ESPN’s Jake Fischer added that the front office is actively evaluating trade packages to generate extra flexibility.
Two low-cost players have emerged as potential trade chips: 2024 first-round pick Pacôme Dadiet, who carries a $2.85 million cap hit, and second-year guard Tyler Kolek, owed $2.19 million. Moving either youngster without taking salary back would create just enough space to retain two of the newly signed veterans.
The margin remains razor-thin. Fischer noted that dealing Kolek and keeping two veterans would leave New York only $44,000 under its hard cap.
For now, training camp will feature Brogdon, Shamet and Mathews competing for what is currently a single roster slot. Whether the Knicks can clear another seat before opening night will depend on finding a trade partner willing to absorb a young player’s contract.
Source: Hoops Wire
