Best Options for the Knicks' Last Two Roster Spots

NBA Summer League is officially over, and it’s time for the Knicks to turn their attention to rounding out their roster with decisions on their 13th and 14th spots. Given the current state of their cap flexibility, the Knicks are in a position to use the 13th spot on a veteran who can contribute right away, while the 14th spot can be reserved for a younger player or rookie with developmental upside. In this article, I will break down some of the top options still available for both spots, focusing on experienced veterans who could bring leadership and stability as well as young players who fit the mold of a long-term project worth investing in.

Ben Simmons: The former three-time All-Star and All-Defensive Team selection is still a free agent as July comes to a close. According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Simmons has drawn interest from the Knicks, Celtics, Suns, and Kings. While he is no longer playing at his All-Star level, Simmons remains a productive player who could serve as a valuable rotation piece for most contenders. This past season, he averaged 5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.

Although his scoring and defense have declined, Simmons is still a solid defender and an excellent playmaker. A pairing with the Knicks would make sense for both sides. New York continues to lack another reliable ball-handler and playmaker off the bench, and Simmons could provide both in a smaller role. Another strength of his game is his positional versatility, as he is capable of playing point guard, small forward, power forward, and even center in certain lineups. That kind of flexibility could be especially valuable for this Knicks team.

Landry Shamet: Last preseason, Landry Shamet was expected to make the Knicks’ roster before suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of the year. He eventually rejoined the Knicks’ 15-man roster toward the end of the season and saw limited action in the regular season, averaging 5.7 points per game while shooting 39 percent from three. Shamet’s biggest contributions came in the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, where he provided a spark off the bench. He averaged 5.8 points, 1.8 assists, and shot a blistering 53.8 percent from three, while also bringing high-energy defense.

The Knicks and Shamet reportedly have mutual interest in a reunion, but no deal has been reached yet. Shamet is seeking a consistent role, while the Knicks remain uncertain if they can offer him that with Jalen Brunson, Jordan Clarkson, Miles McBride, and Tyler Kolek already in the guard rotation. If Shamet were to return, he would bring elite shooting and energy off the bench, the kind of role player that often helps teams win championships.

Trey Lyles: Lyles would be an under-the-radar target for the Knicks. The veteran forward has spent the past four seasons in Sacramento and has a strong connection to new Knicks head coach Mike Brown, having played under him during his time with the Kings. Lyles is a versatile offensive forward with both shooting and finishing ability. During his tenure in Sacramento, he shot 36.3 percent from three and established himself as a reliable role player who plays the game the right way. Adding a player already familiar with Mike Brown’s system would be a smart move, helping ease the transition for the rest of the roster.

Lyles’ ability to play both power forward and center would allow the Knicks to use him in a variety of lineups, whether alongside Mitchell Robinson in the frontcourt or in smaller, wing-heavy units with OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. This would be a solid depth signing that adds a hard-working, veteran offensive presence to the rotation.

Malcolm Brogdon: The 32-year-old guard is coming off yet another injury-riddled season, a recurring theme throughout his career. The talent is undeniable, but the big question remains: can he stay healthy, especially as he gets older? There might be some hope if he lands with the Knicks, who were ranked as the NBA’s top medical staff this past season. If Brogdon can stay on the court, New York would be getting a reliable backup point guard with strong ball-handling skills to cover the minutes when Jalen Brunson sits.

A move to the Knicks also makes sense given Brogdon’s long-standing ties to CAA and the team’s reported interest in him over the years. Overall, it’s a logical fit. The Knicks add a proven veteran to strengthen their rotation, and Brogdon gets a chance to rebuild his value on one of basketball’s biggest stages.

Mohamed Diawara: Arguably the biggest standout for the Knicks during Summer League was Mohamed Diawara. While he didn’t stuff the stat sheet, he flashed the intriguing tools that make him such an interesting prospect at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan. Diawara averaged 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. The biggest surprise in his game was his ability to handle the ball and showcase some unexpected playmaking skills. He also showed great instincts defensively, regularly getting into passing lanes and creating transition opportunities.

When paired with his constant motor and defensive activity, it is easy to see why he has quickly become a player of interest. The Knicks could look to give their 2025 second-round pick the 14th roster spot, and it would make plenty of sense. While still raw, Diawara has the physical tools and flashes of skill that suggest he could develop into a valuable NBA player if everything clicks.

Dink Pate: Dink Pate was once projected to be a first-round draft pick but ultimately went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. The main reason for his slide was the inconsistencies in his game, particularly with his shooting and defense. However, his talent has never been in question, and he put that on full display during this year’s Summer League. Pate averaged 9.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting an impressive 50 percent from three. He showcased his ability all over the court, with the biggest surprise being the noticeable improvement in his jump shooting, which had been a weakness during his time in the G League.

At just 19 years old, Pate still has all the tools and sky-high potential. He should be considered for the Knicks’ 14th roster spot, as continued development could one day unlock star-level upside in his game.

Kevin McCullar Jr.: Once projected as a late first-round pick, McCullar nearly fell out of the draft entirely before the Knicks selected him at #56 in the second round last year. He got injured in his final college season and spent his first NBA season rehabbing, which is why he’s viewing the upcoming 2025–26 season as his true rookie year. He impressed in Summer League, averaging 21.5 points over two games.

McCullar is known for his high basketball IQ, strong defensive presence, and ability to serve as a secondary playmaker. At 24 years old, he has a high floor, and if Mike Brown works with him, he could develop into an important rotation piece, which is why for a team like the Knicks looking to contend long term, having a young rotation piece ready to go wouldn’t be a bad idea.

As the Knicks look to finalize their roster ahead of training camp, they have a clear opportunity to address both the present and the future. Using the 13th roster spot on a proven veteran would give them another reliable piece to help solidify their rotation for a potential championship run. At the same time, using the 14th spot on a young prospect like allows them to invest in long-term upside without sacrificing immediate goals. With this flexibility, the Knicks can strengthen their depth for now while continuing to build toward sustained success.