The Knicks continue to make strategic moves ahead of training camp, the latest being the signing of sharpshooter Landry Shamet to an Exhibit 9 contract, the team announced on Saturday.
At his best, Shamet has been a reliable floor spacer and scrappy defender, boasting a 38.4% career shooting clip from beyond the arc.
However, injuries and inconsistency plagued his recent play, including last season, where he shot just 33.8% from three in 46 games with the Wizards.
That’s why the Knicks signed him to an Exhibit-9 deal, offering a low-risk, high-reward chance to bring in a proven sharpshooter with a checkered injury history and give him a shot at making a championship-caliber roster.
Low Risk, Potential Reward
Shamet signed an Exhibit 9 contract, which protects the Knicks financially if an injury occurs during camp.
Under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, if Shamet gets injured before the regular season begins, the Knicks can waive him and owe him just if $15,000 — a provision updated from the $6,000 in the previous CBA.
This deal allows New York to assess Shamet’s fit without tying up valuable cap space, making it a smart move.
In comparison, Exhibit 10 contracts offer more flexibility, allowing conversion into two-way deals or G League bonuses. Shamet’s Exhibit 9 deal signals New York is focused on evaluating him for the main roster. The risk for the Knicks is minimal, but the reward — if Shamet regains his shooting form (he shot 40 percent or better from behind the arc in his rookie and sophomore seasons) — could be significant.
An Active Offseason Full of Calculated Moves
Shamet’s signing is one of several moves in a busy offseason.
The Knicks secured Jalen Brunson’s team-friendly extension and re-signed OG Anunoby to a franchise-record deal. But the most significant change came with the acquisition of Mikal Bridges, adding a premier two-way player and a friend of the Villanova family to an already potent Knicks core.
While New York strengthened its wings, the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein left a gap in the frontcourt.
The Knicks brought back Precious Achiuwa, who will compete for minutes at center with Jericho Sims, but with Mitchell Robinson’s recent injury history, pressure will be on both Achiuwa and Sims to hold down the fort in case of injury.
What’s Left to Tackle Before Camp?
With camp two weeks away, several key questions remain. First is Julius Randle’s contract extension.
Randle became eligible for an extension in August, but no deal has emerged. His performance and future with the team will be critical to New York’s playoff hopes.
Additionally, Bridges is eligible for a two-year extension worth $77 million in the first week of October. His decision will directly impact the Knicks’ cap flexibility and future moves.
Lastly, the Knicks need to finalize their backup center rotation.
Achiuwa and Sims are the top candidates to support Robinson, but neither has proven they can handle the starting role if Robinson is injured again. The Knicks will be active on the trade market should they determine Achiuwa and Sims are nto up to the task.
Looking Ahead
With training camp approaching, New York is positioning itself for a strong push in the Eastern Conference.
Shamet’s Exhibit 9 deal brings a potential shooting weapon to a roster anchored by Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, and Randle.
The weeks leading into the season will determine how the Knicks solidify their rotation and finalize extensions for Randle and Bridges. With key pieces in place, New York’s trajectory is set for contention in the East.