Landry Shamet could lose up to $2,598,120 of 2024-25 season salary after gruesome shoulder injury
New York Knicks reserve shooting guard Landry Shamet suffered a gruesome shoulder injury during Tuesday's 111-105 home preseason victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The setback could reportedly cost the seven-year NBA veteran a roster spot and nearly all the corresponding salary he was expected to secure.
Shamet, who signed a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract with New York last month, has reportedly been a training camp standout. The veteran sharpshooter has garnered Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau's praise. Meanwhile, he carved out a sizable preseason bench role, leading many to speculate that he locked up a regular-season roster spot.
With New York resting its starters on Tuesday, Landry Shamet received an opportunity to start. However, his night was cut short after he injured his right shoulder defending Hornets forward Moussa Diabate late in the third quarter.
After swiping at the ball, Shamet collapsed in pain and held his seemingly popped-out shoulder before being assisted to the locker room and not returning.
Afterward, The Athletic's Fred Katz reported that Shamet "has only $15,000 of injury protection" on his one-year, $2,613,120 contract. Thus, his injury could cost him $2,598,120 if the Knicks pivot in another direction.
New York is short on guard depth. Earlier this month, the franchise traded shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the three-team deal that netted star center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Thus, the Knicks are relying on prospects Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek, and journeyman Cameron Payne as their primary backup guards. So, Landry Shamet seemingly had a good chance to be a consistent rotation player this season.
However, time will tell how serious his injury is and if New York would be willing to exercise patience with him amid a possible lengthy absence.
Through four exhibition outings, Shamet is averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.3 3-pointers per game, shooting 35.7% and 30.0% from deep.
What could Landry Shamet's shoulder injury mean for the Knicks?
Regardless of Landry Shamet's long-term status, the Knicks need to make roster moves, as they have only 12 players on standard contracts. According to the New York Post, the organization must dole out standard deals to at least two more players.
Per SNY's Ian Begley, center Ariel Hukporti is expected to have his two-way contract converted to a standard one. Meanwhile, forwards T.J. Warren and Chuma Okeke are considered potential end-of-roster options.
However, none of those players have been as impactful as Shamet during the preseason, seemingly putting New York in a tough spot.
Also Read: "I grew up in Queens" - Knicks Star Precious Achiuwa dismisses Yankees allegiance, chooses rivals Mets as his team