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 Saturday.
At his best, Shamet was a reliable floor spacer and combative defender, boasting a career shooting percentage of 38.4 percent from beyond the arc.
However, injuries and a lack of consistency have marred his recent play, including last season, when he shot just 33.8 percent from three-point range in 46 games with the Wizards.
That’s why the Knicks signed him to an Exhibit-9 contract, offering a low-risk, high-reward chance to bring in a proven sharpshooter with a checkered injury history and give him a chance to be part of a championship-caliber team.
Low risk, potential reward
Shamet signed an Exhibit 9 contract, which financially protects the Knicks in the event of an injury during camp.
Under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, if Shamet is injured before the start of the regular season, the Knicks can waive him and owe him only $15,000 — an updated provision from the $6,000 in the previous collective bargaining agreement.
This deal allows New York to assess Shamet’s suitability without tying up valuable salary cap space, making it a smart move.
By comparison, Exhibit 10 contracts offer more flexibility, allowing for conversion to two-way deals or G League bonuses. Shamet’s Exhibit 9 contract signals New York is focused on evaluating him for the main roster. The risk to the Knicks is minimal, but the reward — if Shamet rediscovers his shooting form (he shot 40 percent or better from behind the arc in his rookie and sophomore seasons) — could be significant.
An active off-season full of calculated moves
The Shamet signing is one of several moves in a busy offseason.
The Knicks extended Jalen Brunson and re-signed OG Anunoby to a franchise-record deal. But the most significant change came with the acquisition of Mikal Bridges, adding a top player and Villanova family friend to an already powerful Knicks core.
As New York strengthened its wings, the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein left a void 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, the pressure will be on Achiuwa and Sims to hold down the fort in case of injury.
What’s left to do before camp?
With two weeks to go until camp begins, several key questions remain. The first concerns Julius Randle’s contract extension.
Randle became eligible for an extension in August, but a deal has yet to be reached. His performance and future with the team will be critical to New York’s playoff hopes.
Additionally, Bridges is eligible to sign a two-year, $77 million contract extension in the first week of October. His decision will have a direct impact on the Knicks’ salary cap flexibility and future moves.
Finally, the Knicks must finalize their backup center rotation.
Achiuwa and Sims are the top candidates to back up Robinson, but neither has proven they can take on the starting role if Robinson gets hurt again. The Knicks will be active in the trade market if they feel Achiuwa and Sims aren’t up to the task.
Looking to the future
As training camp approaches, 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 up to 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 the East.
