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NBA Rumors: Knicks Eyeing Matt Ryan Contract After Lakers, Pelicans, Wolves Stints

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NBA Rumors: Knicks Eyeing Matt Ryan Contract After Lakers, Pelicans, Wolves Stints

Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

The New York Knicks currently only have 12 players on standard contracts heading into the 2024-25 season and need to be at 14 within the first two weeks of the regular season.

One player the team has reportedly shown interest in signing to fill out those roster requirements is veteran wing Matt Ryan, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania:

Ryan, 27, has played for the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans in his career, appearing in a total of 63 games dating back to the 2021-22 season and averaging 4.4 points per contest while shooting 41.1 percent from three.

Last year was his most productive season, as he averaged career highs in appearances (28), minutes per game (13.9), points (5.4) and three-point percentage (45.1 percent).

In New York, he’d be at the back end of the rotation, though given the team’s lack of depth, he could see solid minutes.

Ian Begley @IanBegley

Prior to Landry Shamet injury, Matt Ryan had been on Knicks radar as a potential two-way player if/when they cleared a two-way spot, per sources. Ryan, a sharpshooter & former Iona Prep HS star, remains on NYK’s radar as a potential free agent addition, as ESPN earlier reported

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA

I’ll add: This may take some time to play out. The Knicks seem fairly set on letting those open roster spots ride for a bit to give them a bit more clearance under the second apron hard cap.

The Knicks have a starting lineup that is locked in place (Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns) but there isn’t a ton of depth beyond that, with players like Miles McBride, Cameron Payne and Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa (once both are healthy) seemingly the only players guaranteed to secure minutes among the reserves.

New York gave up a lot of its depth in the trades to land Bridges and Towns, and they’ll live with a short bench given the talent they have among the starters. But the team is going to need more potential options throughout a long season, especially if any of the starters suffer injuries.

Ryan wouldn’t be a sexy addition, but his ability to stretch the floor as a shooter gives him value. He would be a logical addition for the Knicks.

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