With the New York Knicks committing to veteran guards Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet, who were both signed last week, backup point guard Tyler Kolek could be left out in the cold when the 2025-2026 NBA season starts next month.
The Knicks have $3.7 million separating them from the second apron. They do not have enough space to cover the three contracts. One of them is going to have to be cut loose. If they keep two veterans under guaranteed minimum deals, they will still be slightly over at $4.6 million.
If Brogdon and Shamet both make the opening-night roster, the Knicks are going to have to dump salary. The duo signed non-guaranteed contracts to compete for the final guaranteed contract, but New York apparently wants to keep both.
According to Jake Fischer, who reports for The Stein Line, the Knicks are starting to look for trade partners to take some salary off their books.
“League sources say the Knicks have begun to weigh various trade scenarios to provide that needed distance from the second tax apron in the event they wish to keep both Shamet and Brogdon,” Fischer said. “One of the few possibilities that could be easily executed is parting with 2024 first-round pick Pacome Dadiet.”
Fischer believes the Knicks will look to jettison Dadiet out of Manhattan. If that happens, it could leave room for Kolek, but it is easier said than done.
The Knicks are especially thin on the wing spots. That is why Dadiet might be staying in New York. All the Knicks have in the cupboard are Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby.
Dadiet could make the team and still sit at the end of the bench. Nothing has been said or promised that would indicate otherwise. However, the same could be said for Kolek, so it really is a roll of the dice as to who would better serve head coach Mike Brown and the Knicks this season.
Brogdon would not have been signed if the Knicks thought Kolek could serve as the backup point guard and log big minutes in the rotation. An argument could be made that Deuce McBride is another guy who runs the backup point for the Knicks, but is not ready for major minutes.
Essentially, the Knicks have to decide whether they want to peddle Dadiet or Kolek. They must answer the question as to whether they want to lose a reserve wing or a reserve point guard. It would appear on paper Kolek is the guy who is going to lose his job.
It does not make sense for the Knicks to keep Kolek on the squad if he is going to be no better than a role player who will struggle for minutes.