The New York Knicks are actively pursuing additional shooting talent, targeting recently waived players Landry Shamet and Davis Bertans to enhance their offensive depth. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Knicks have shown interest in both players as they seek to add more firepower from beyond the arc.
“The New York Knicks have explored adding more shooting depth on the free agent market by expressing interest in Latvian forward Davis Bertans, as previously reported by HoopsHype, and guard Landry Shamet, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote in a July 12 story.
Both Shamet and Bertans are known for their sharpshooting abilities. Shamet boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 40.8%, while Bertans has hit 39.6% of his shots from long range. Despite their shooting prowess, both players were recently waived by their respective teams for financial reasons. The Washington Wizards waived Shamet due to the non-guaranteed nature of the final year of his contract, and the Charlotte Hornets waived Bertans because the last year of his contract was only partially guaranteed.
The Knicks, who achieved their primary offseason objective by acquiring Mikal Bridges, are now focused on surrounding their core with additional shooting talent. While it’s uncertain if they will manage to sign both Shamet and Bertans, their interest underscores the team’s commitment to enhancing their roster.
Interestingly, the Wizards had just acquired Shamet when they traded Bertans away, creating a unique connection between the two players.
Landry Shamet’s Market Interest
Shamet has garnered attention from multiple teams. In addition to the Knicks, the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves have also expressed interest in signing the free-agent guard. A potential return to the Washington Wizards remains on the table as well.
“Free agent guard Landry Shamet has received exploratory interest from the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks, league sources told HoopsHype. A possible return to the Washington Wizards also hasn’t been ruled out, HoopsHype has learned.”
These teams, having lost key players during the offseason, see Shamet as a valuable addition due to his ability to space the floor effectively.
Frontcourt Depth Considerations
In addition to bolstering their shooting, the Knicks are also exploring options to add depth to their frontcourt. Scotto reported that the Knicks have expressed interest in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. However, the Jazz have turned down offers from teams willing to part with two first-round picks for Kessler.
Scotto also noted that Precious Achiuwa, currently an unrestricted free agent, is open to returning to the Knicks. The Knicks have the financial flexibility to re-sign Achiuwa and potentially use the $5.2 million taxpayer mid-level exception, as they are $15.7 million below the $188.9 million second tax apron with 12 players on the roster.
With the best free agents already signed, the Knicks remain vigilant in the market, aiming to secure valuable rotation players to support their quest for an NBA title.
