Even though it has taken some time, the New York Knicks are close to bringing back a former Philadelphia 76ers star next season.
The Knicks have made several signings this offseason. They’re clearly trying to take advantage of a weakened Eastern Conference.
After the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, they decided to go in a different direction. To replace him, the Knicks signed Mike Brown to be their next head coach.
But the Knicks also landed Guerschon Yabusele in free agency, along with Jordan Clarkson, after he agreed to a contract buyout.
As it turns out, Yabusele isn’t the only former 76ers star that the Knicks are planning to sign, as they are close to a deal with another.
Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty ImagesNew York Knicks looking to re-sign Landry Shamet
According to NBA insider Ian Begley, the New York Knicks are on the same page when it comes to re-signing Landry Shamet.
Shamet impressed several officials on the Knicks with his performances and professionalism during his stint with them last season.
“There’s still mutual interest there, Shamet and the Knicks, I do think if I’m guessing, I’m guessing Shamet ends up with one of those spots.
“That’s why I keep mentioning his name, I think it’ll end up that way unless there’s a change in thinking, significant change in thinking. There’s a lot of support internally for bringing Shamet back.
“I think there’s a lot of respect for what he did last year with the shoulder injury, getting back on the floor, impacting things in the postseason when he came back in the rotation after being out for long.
“There’s a comfort and respect for Shamet in that locker room. I would assume he would be back.”
Landry Shamet would be a strong shooter to bring off the bench
While Shamet is not a starting-level player, he can be a useful tool for the New York Knicks. He is a solid scorer who can knock down shots from long range.
Last season, Shamet shot 39.7% from beyond the arc for the Knicks. His best effort came against the Brooklyn Nets, when he sank seven threes from range.
If the Knicks plan on bringing him off the bench like last season, they will have a solid and reliable spot-up shooter.
Pairing Shamet with Miles McBride on the second unit would provide the Knicks with an interior and exterior offensive threat.
Hopefully, they are able to come to an agreement with Shamet and bring him back next season, as they look to compete for an NBA championship.