Key Points
- Landry Shamet is now eligible to be traded, coinciding with his recovery from a right shoulder sprain.
- The guard has been sidelined since November 22, with a potential return near Christmas.
- Head coach Mike Brown has issued strong public support for Shamet, calling him “a big part” of the team.
- Shamet’s non‑guaranteed $2.3 million contract makes him a flexible trade asset.
- The Knicks must weigh his shooting value against potential roster‑building opportunities ahead of the February deadline.
Trade Eligibility and Injury Create a Complicated Crossroads
Landry Shamet’s tenure with the New York Knicks has entered a period of uncertainty. The veteran guard officially became trade‑eligible on December 15, just as he continues rehabbing a shoulder injury that has kept him out since late November. The timing has created a difficult decision for the Knicks’ front office as they balance immediate needs with long‑term roster strategy.
Shamet’s earliest projected return is around Christmas, leaving the team to evaluate whether he is more valuable on the court or as a movable contract.
A Shoulder Sprain Arrives at the Worst Possible Time
Shamet suffered a right shoulder sprain on November 22, sidelining him for an estimated four weeks. His trade eligibility arriving days before his potential return has created what team insiders describe as a “perfect storm.”
Trading him now would mean moving an injured player—never ideal—but his last performance before the injury, a 36‑point outburst against Miami, showcased the offensive spark he can provide.
According to ESPN, Shamet’s non‑guaranteed contract adds another wrinkle. While the Knicks must pay him during recovery, the deal’s flexibility could appeal to teams seeking salary relief.
Coach Mike Brown Makes an Unusually Strong Stand
Head coach Mike Brown has been vocal in his support for Shamet, even before Malcolm Brogdon’s retirement shifted the team’s backcourt dynamics. His latest comments were especially emphatic.
“Landry is a really big part of what we’re doing, and I’ll give up my salary for him,” Brown told reporters—an extraordinary statement in a league where business decisions often outweigh personal loyalty.
Still, coaching endorsements do not always dictate front‑office moves, particularly when a player is injured and on a team‑friendly contract.
Trade Asset or Key Rotation Piece?
Shamet’s $2.3 million salary makes him a valuable piece for constructing larger trades. His shooting, however, remains a premium skill for a Knicks team with championship ambitions.
Team President Leon Rose, known for calculated asset management, is unlikely to move Shamet for a marginal return if he believes the guard can meaningfully contribute. With the Knicks sitting at 17–7, there is no pressure to make a hasty decision.
The next few weeks will be pivotal. A healthy return could stabilize Shamet’s role and quiet trade chatter. Continued uncertainty, however, may keep his name circulating until the February trade deadline.
What Happens Next?
Shamet’s future hinges on three factors: his health, his fit within the rotation, and the Knicks’ evolving trade strategy. As New York evaluates potential upgrades, Shamet could either reestablish himself as a key shooter—or become a strategic piece in a larger deal.
Either way, the coming stretch will reveal how the organization truly values him.
