Knicks SIGN Dink Pate… But Who’s NEXT for the Final Roster Spot?

Knicks SIGN Dink Pate… But Who’s NEXT for the Final Roster Spot?

The New York Knicks just made another move as 19-year-old Dinkpaid is reportedly signing a two-way deal with New York. So now we have two two-way spots available. But the real question is what’s going on with that final veteran minimum spot? Why haven’t the Knicks resigned Landry Shamut yet? And could they be waiting for someone else? Let’s break it all down. So first up, shout out to Lee Escobido for the report. The Knicks will sign Dink Paid to one of their three two-way contracts. And honestly, it’s well earned, especially in game four. paid flash serious upside in summer league. Elite athleticism, confidence off the catch, and some defensive juice, and he’s only 19. He shot two for two from three last game, but his shooting is still overall inconsistent, and he’s clearly a project. But you stash this guy in Westchester and give him real developmental reps, and there’s something to build on here. So now this leaves us with two two-way spots left, which will be a hard decision, but here’s how I think the rest shakes out. Number one is Kevin McCuller Jr. gets the rookie minimum contract. Yes, he is eligible for the contract even though he’s a secondyear player because he signed a two-way deal in his first year. He looked NBA ready in his summer league debut. He had solid defense, high IQ, great size, and can even handle the ball a little bit. And now, assuming that his knee is healthy, that’s the only rookie spot available. And I think it’s his. Then we have Mohammad Diawara and Marjan Bochamp. They will get the last two two-way deals in my opinion. Diwara’s defense is elite already. He’s raw offensively for sure, but there’s real siakum light upside. and Bo Champs. Say what you want about his shot selection, but he bowled out against Indiana. 28.63 single-handedly kept him in the game. He’s entering his last year of 2-way eligibility, which is year four. And I think the Knicks see that as one of the last chances to try to develop him into a real rotational player. That leaves James Naji as the odd man out for now because back tightness has clearly limited him so far. And even though centers are a hot commodity in the NBA right now, and while the defensive tools are real, I just don’t think he’s shown enough to earn a guaranteed spot. I do see the Knicks still inviting him to training camp for another look, but not a contract just yet. But there’s always a chance that something happens with Tyler Kolk and maybe he gets traded and then that opens up a roster spot for Marjon Bochamp. In that scenario, Kolk would be traded for draft compensation, maybe a second round pick, and then the Knicks would in turn put in Marjon Bochamp in that spot, and then the two-way contract would go to James Naji instead. But again, I see that as a long shot, so I don’t expect it to happen. Now, let us shift to the veteran spot because this part is interesting. The Knicks now have room for one rookie deal and one vet minimum before hitting the second apron. But my question is, why hasn’t Landry Shammed been resigned yet if there’s mutual interest on both sides? according to Ian Begley and he played real minutes last year in the playoffs. He wants to return. He would cost the vet minimum and yet nothing has happened. And that is where I think this could be a sign that the Knicks are waiting on someone else. CP the franchise said the Knicks talks with Ben Simmons were more due diligence than anything serious. Steve Paer even reported that Simmons is now a long shot. So what’s the holdup? Could they be waiting for Marcus Smart to hit the buyout market? Remember Smart is now stuck on a rebuilding Wizards team. The Knicks need one more vet and preferably a backup guard who brings defense, toughness, and leadership and even playmaking. And Smart checks all those boxes. He’s a former defensive player of the year as we know. And if he becomes available, you best believe the Knicks are going to be interested. Until then, the front office might be keeping that last spot open, waiting to pounce. So, as it stands now, Dingpate is in. McCuller probably gets the rookie deal. Diawara and Bo Champ on two-ways, Naji to camp, and Shamut still in limbo. But do not be shocked if a vet like Marcus Smart becomes the real target here if he’s bought out. And as always, if you enjoyed this video, make sure to hit that like button and sub to the channel for more Knicks news and updates you will not want to miss all summer long. It’s been KNYT here and I’ll see you guys in the next one.

The New York Knicks are making moves.

According to Lee Escobedo, the Knicks are signing 19-year-old Dink Pate to a Two-Way Contract, adding one of the most athletic and intriguing young prospects in Summer League to the roster. But with only two more spots left to fill, one veteran minimum and one rookie minimum, the front office still has big decisions to make.

So… who’s next?

Landry Shamet is still a free agent. The Knicks have stayed in contact, and he reportedly wants to return. But if that’s the case, why hasn’t it happened yet? Could they be waiting on Marcus Smart or another buyout candidate instead? And what does this all mean for guys like Kevin McCullar Jr., Mohamed Diawara, and MarJon Beauchamp?

In this video, we break down:

✅ Why the Knicks are signing Dink Pate now

✅ What this move means for the final Two-Way and standard deals

✅ The latest intel on Shamet, Ben Simmons, and Marcus Smart

✅ My updated roster predictions heading into the regular season

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