The New York Knicks are looking to improve their roster by managing their salary cap more efficiently this offseason. Central to their plan is the possibility of signing veterans Landry Shamet and Ben Simmons to minimum contracts, which would require the team to clear at least one guaranteed salary spot. This strategy reflects the Knicks’ urgent need to escape their current salary cap constraints and build a more competitive squad under the
“Ben Simmons Knicks trade cap strategy.”
Current Roster and Salary Cap Challenges
The Knicks currently have 12 players under contract but only $3.7 million in cap space, creating limited flexibility. Landry Shamet, a free agent needing approximately $3 million at the veteran minimum, fits this financial slot if the Knicks can navigate their salary restrictions. Shamet’s career has been unstable, having played for six teams in seven years, yet there is mutual interest between him and New York. Avoiding the second apron—an often tricky salary cap threshold—is a significant concern for the Knicks as they plan these moves.
Shamet’s Impact and Team Support
Last season, Shamet averaged around six points per game over 50 outings while shooting a solid 40% from three-point range. He overcame a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the first three months, earning respect from both teammates and management. Knicks insider Ian Begley shared,
I think there’s a lot of support internally for bringing Shamet back. There’s a comfort with Shamet, a respect for Shamet in that locker room. I would assume that he’d be back.
—Ian Begley, <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Insider
Potential Addition of Ben Simmons
The Knicks are also considering Ben Simmons, the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year, as part of their offseason strategy. Simmons, who spent last season between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, comes at a reduced cost due to injury troubles that have limited his appearances to 383 games over nine seasons. Despite his career earnings exceeding $200 million, his availability is tied to the Knicks executing a trade and freeing up a roster spot.
Trade Requirements and Roster Balance
Bringing Simmons in entails a necessary roster move to create space. Begley explained,
The only way to do that is to make a trade. You have to open up a spot if you wanted to bring in another veteran’s minimum.
—Ian Begley, NBA Insider This highlights the delicate balancing act the Knicks must perform to integrate Simmons and possibly Shamet while managing their limited cap space and roster limits.
Players Likely to Be Moved in Trades
The Knicks have a crowded backcourt, and some guards could be involved in trades to open up salaries and roster spots. Deuce McBride, despite his fan following and role in last season’s rotation, is a prime candidate due to his value. Tyler Kolek also surfaces as a possible trade asset as the Knicks attempt to optimize their roster while gaining draft flexibility or shedding salary commitments.
The Risks of Staying Near the Salary Cap Limits
NBA analyst Keith Smith described the team’s proximity to the second apron on the salary cap as dangerous yet tempting. Smith said,
The second apron is like Las Vegas,
and added,
It’s fun to visit for a little bit, but if you stay there too long it’s going to get really expensive and it’s going to get really painful. If you dip into the second apron for a year or two, you’re OK. You just have to have an exit plan.
—Keith Smith, NBA Analyst
Looking Ahead: Knicks’ Strategic Choices and Future Outlook
The Knicks’ decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial to their ability to retool and contend in a competitive NBA landscape. Their moves to sign Shamet and Simmons, offloaded contracts through trades, and salary cap management will shape their offseason and potentially redefine their team’s trajectory. If successful, these actions could mark the beginning of a roster revival aimed at advancing the Knicks’ competitiveness while maintaining financial flexibility.