The New York Knicks made waves this past week by signing veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal. But despite the buzz, there’s a growing possibility that Brogdon may never actually play a regular-season game in a Knicks uniform. The reason? A brutal salary cap reality known as the second apron.
Under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, the second apron acts as a hard cap for teams that exceed a certain spending threshold. Once a team crosses that line, flexibility evaporates. No sign-and-trades. No midseason additions. No stacking minimum deals. And for the Knicks, who are currently just $2.4 million below that threshold, every dollar matters.
That’s why the team can only afford to keep one of its newly signed veterans, Brogdon or Landry Shamet, unless it makes a cost-cutting move.
Here’s how the numbers break down: Brogdon and Shamet both signed non-guaranteed veteran minimum deals. The Knicks have one open roster spot and just enough apron space to fill it with a single veteran. They’re also reserving a second spot for rookie Mohamed Diawara, who qualifies for a minimum deal under the second-round exception.
Unless the Knicks shed salary, they’ll have to choose between Brogdon’s playmaking and Shamet’s shooting. To keep both veterans, New York must offload salary without taking any back. The most likely candidates: Dadiet, in particular, has emerged as the most likely trade chip. Despite his size and versatility, he averaged just 1.7 points in 18 games last season. Moving him would clear enough space to keep both Brogdon and Shamet without triggering the second apron.
If no trade materializes, the Knicks will have to make a tough call: Former Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon offers veteran leadership, ball-handling, and defensive versatility. But he’s played just 63 games over the past two seasons due to injuries.
Landry Shamet a is sharpshooter who hit 39.7% from deep last season. Familiar with the Knicks system and stepped up during Jalen Brunson’s injury.
Brogdon brings more pedigree, but Shamet may be the safer bet in terms of health and fit.
The Knicks are expected to let training camp play out before making a final decision. If both players impress, a trade could follow. If not, one will likely be waived before opening night.
With the team pushing to contend in the East, every roster spot counts. And Brogdon’s fate may hinge not on his talent, but on the Knicks’ ability to maneuver around the league’s harshest financial barrier.
