NBA rumors: Knicks bracing for free agency threats to try to steal playoff hero

When people look back at the biggest what ifs of the 2025-26 NBA campaign, they will naturally focus most of their attention on injuries to star players like Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards and Jalen Williams, but there is one overlooked  hypothetical scenario that warrants some special consideration. And it could be especially relevant if the New York Knicks win their first championship since 1973.

If 2023 Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon does not retire last October, it is possible that Landry Shamet would not be on the Knickerbockers right now. Ergo, there is a world in which this team is not leading the San Antonio Spurs 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals. That is how important the veteran guard has been in these playoffs. He went from a possible roster cut to one of the most valuable role players on what could be the greatest New York basketball team of all-time.

Such a significant transformation usually entails a significant raise. Shamet will hit free agency this summer, and while the Knicks may be inclined to retain him, his scorching-hot postseason is expected to land him considerable interest from other squads.

“He’s shooting nearly 55% from the floor and 50% from deep (18 for 36) in those 13 wins and, yes, I’m told external suitors are already starting to circle in anticipation of pursuing him in free agency, which officially begins June 30 at 6 PM ET,” NBA correspondent Marc Stein writes in his substack.

Where would the Knicks be without Shamet?

Landry Shamet has drilled clutch 3-pointers and played reliable defense throughout this historic Knicks playoff run. Perhaps most impressive, he has posted game-altering performances on the road. Supporting cast members generally fade into the background in enemy territory, but the 29-year-old is actually playing his best away from Madison Square Garden.

Shamet made three treys in each of New York’s first two wins against the Spurs, and he scored 30 combined points while shooting better than 80 percent from the field in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Rocket arena. This man is giving New York the supplemental spark it needs to finally reestablish itself as the top basketball team in the world.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown told reporters that he called Shamet about returning to the squad last offseason, but he also admitted that there were “only so many roster spots” available. The former Wichita State standout was not promised meaningful minutes this year. He has seized them through his consistent play and dependable work ethic. Those efforts will soon be rewarded.

New York must strongly consider if it can afford to let Shamet walk. “The solace for the Knicks: They do hold Shamet’s Early Bird rights and thus can offer him a new deal that starts at 105% of the league’s average salary if necessary,” Stein writes. “So they will have the functionality to go well over $10 million annually if it comes to that.”

Landry Shamet has plenty of time to mull over his future and bask in his forthcoming financial gains, but he is currently focused on helping the franchise finish off this landmark season. Game 3 of the NBA Finals tips off on Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

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