Knicks sign two top shooters in a row! Shamet re-signs for minimum salary, former Rocket competes for roster spot

On September 12th Beijing time, ESPN reporter Shams announced that free agent Shamet signed a one-year contract to rejoin the Knicks. Follow-up reports revealed it is a non-guaranteed minimum salary deal. New York journalist Bondy also reported the Knicks will sign free agent Garrison Matthews to a training camp contract.

Although multiple teams showed interest in Shamet, during his last season with the Knicks, he greatly appreciated the locker room environment and was eager to stay and compete for a championship, which ultimately influenced his decision to return.

About to start his 8th NBA season, Shamet will earn $3.08 million in the 2025-26 season. Last fall, he initially signed a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract with the Knicks.

The 28-year-old Shamet was the 26th pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft and played three seasons at Wichita State University. Before joining the Knicks in 2024, his career included stints with the 76ers, Clippers, Nets, Suns, and Wizards.

Known for his shooting skills, Shamet’s season debut last year was delayed by a shoulder injury, and he played 50 games in total. Despite maintaining a solid 39.7% three-point shooting percentage, he averaged just 5.7 points and 1.2 rebounds per game—both career lows—with 15.2 minutes per game.

Once this signing is official, Shamet will be the 13th player under contract on the Knicks roster. Additionally, all three two-way contract slots remain open, while McKellar is still a restricted free agent holding two-way status.

Regarding the other free agent the Knicks plan to sign, Garrison Matthews, he is confirmed to receive a training camp deal. Bondy noted Matthews is expected to compete for a roster spot through training camp. As a veteran with six years of NBA experience, he no longer qualifies for a two-way contract.

Bondy’s report also mentioned that unless the team clears salary space via one or two trades, Shamet and Matthews—both shooting-focused guards—may directly compete for the same roster position.

Throughout his career, nearly 85% of Matthews’ shots have come from beyond the arc. The Lipscomb University alumnus boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 38.2% and excels at drawing fouls on three-point attempts to create “and-one” opportunities.

Matthews, who will turn 29 next month, spent the past two-plus seasons with the Hawks. Last season, he appeared in 47 games, averaging 7.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, with a 39.0% three-point shooting rate and 17.7 minutes per game.

Matthews began his NBA career in 2019 as an undrafted player signing with the Wizards. After two seasons there, he joined the Rockets for one and a half seasons before being traded to the Hawks at the 2023 trade deadline.