Knicks Predicted to Re-Sign 1 Backup Free Agent & Part Ways With 2 Others

The New York Knicks have already made one significant move to enhance their bench, signing Jordan Clarkson early in free agency.

The 33-year-old guard won NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2021 while with the Utah Jazz and averaged a healthy 16.2 points in 26 minutes per game last season.

While most of the big-name free agents have signed, plenty of quality veterans remain available should the Knicks wish to add more pieces around their starting lineup.

For a better grasp of whom they could target, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus recently listed the 25 best players still available. A few notably have ties to the Knicks, including Landry Shamet.

In fact, Pincus predicted that Shamet, who appeared in 50 games for New York last season, will ultimately re-sign with the Knicks if they fail to land a bigger name such as Chris Paul.

Will the Knicks Re-Sign Landry Shamet?

Shamet, 28, averaged 5.7 points while shooting 46.1% from the floor (39.7% on 3-point attempts) in 15.2 minutes per game for New York last season.

While his usage shrunk early in the playoffs, Shamet was relied on more heavily in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers as the Knicks needed more help stretching the floor. In Game 6, Shamet chipped in 12 points on four 3-pointers over 16 minutes.

Shamet — Pincus’ 17th-best player available — is well-traveled, having played for six different franchises since his rookie season in 2018-19. However, it’s reasonable to think the Knicks will want him to stay put.

The Athletic’s John Hollinger recently addressed this possibility in his position-by-position free agent preview, writing, “Shamet’s shooting should be enough to make him a valuable add as a fifth guard on a minimum deal. Re-signing for one year in New York would give him a de facto no-trade clause.”

Last season, Shamet was paid $1.7 million.

What Former Knicks May Land Elsewhere?

The Knicks also signed former 76ers forward Gershon Yabusele, who averaged 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds a year ago. His addition suggests the Knicks will not attempt to bring back forward Precious Achiuwa. 

Pincus seems to agree, writing that the 6-foot-8 Achiuwa, who averaged 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks off the bench, “seems unlikely to return to New York, but he’ll likely turn up elsewhere on a minimum deal before long.”

The same may be true for another former Knick, guard Delon Wright.