The New York Knicks recently signed Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet to non-guaranteed deals. Both veterans will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp and preseason.
However, due to the Knicks’ current cap situation, the front office would need to make a trade if it wanted to keep both veterans for the upcoming campaign.
According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, second-year guard Pacome Dadiet could be the most viable trade candidate for New York if they look to retain both Brogdon and Shamet.
“Talking to people in the league as of late, the name I keep hearing most is 20-year-old Pacome Dadiet,” Edwards reported. “I’ve gathered that the Knicks are entering camp with the idea of keeping Brogdon and Shamet, both of whom are on non-guaranteed deals, for the regular-season roster…Given Dadiet’s age, size (6-8, 210) and projected profile if his development shakes out, he has more value around the league than the likes of youngsters Tyler Kolek or Ariel Hukporti, according to people I’ve spoken with. That is why if the Knicks want to make room for the two veterans, trading Dadiet makes the most sense.”
Dadiet played in 18 games last season, averaging 1.7 points and one rebound per outing. At 20 years old, he is certainly a developmental project. For a contending team such as the Knicks, moving on from him would be a logical decision if the reward was keeping both Brogdon and Shamet for the upcoming season.
The Knicks have multiple trade options available
Dadiet isn’t the only potential trade candidate for the Knicks. Tyler Kolek, Miles McBride and Ariel Hukporti all fit the bill of young and developing talents. Swapping any of them for proven contributors makes sense, given the Knicks’ current timeline.
Interestingly, Edwards isn’t the only Knicks insider reporting that Brogdon and Shamet will likely stick with the franchise beyond training camp. Ian Begley provided a similar report on September 17.
“A trade of either Pacome Dadiet or Miles McBride would clear enough cap space to sign both veterans,” Begley wrote. “The Knicks can also trade Tyler Kolek and have enough space under the second apron to sign both Brogdon and Shamet…I don’t think the Knicks will make a trade ahead of training camp…But if I’m betting today, I’m betting that both Brogdon and Shamet are on the regular season roster.”
The Knicks will likely explore every option available to them and make a decision based on the offers they receive. Nevertheless, they’ve positioned themselves to be incredibly deep heading into the new season. Unless Brogdon or Shamet struggles over the next few weeks, we should feel confident that they both secure a spot moving forward.
Brogdon’s injury history should worry the Knicks
Despite Brogdon’s clear upside, the Knicks will be aware of the injury risk he carries. After all, he’s played in just 63 games over the past two seasons, and has broken the 60-game mark just twice in his career.
Still, when healthy, Brogdon is a high-level guard who can score across all three levels and create for those around him. The Knicks will be rolling the dice on his health, knowing that if he’s on the court, he will elevate their chances of success.