The Golden State Warriors may have just caught a significant break in their pursuit of veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon, as the New York Knicks’ recent signing of Landry Shamet has potentially cleared a path for the former Sixth Man of the Year to join the Bay Area. With the Knicks opting for Shamet, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors now face one less competitor in the race for Brogdon, though their ability to capitalize on this opportunity remains tied to other roster decisions.
The Knicks’ decision to sign Shamet, despite their reported interest in Brogdon as a backup point guard to complement 24-year-old Tyler Kolek, could prove to be a pivotal misstep. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, both Shamet and Brogdon were on New York’s radar, but the choice of Shamet suggests the Knicks are prioritizing a different fit. This move opens the door wider for Golden State, a team in desperate need of a reliable backup for their superstar, Stephen Curry.
Curry, now 37 and entering his 17th NBA season, has been the heartbeat of the Warriors’ offense. However, his injury history—most notably a hamstring issue during last season’s second-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves—underscores the need for a dependable second option at point guard. While Curry has played at least 70 games in each of the past two regular seasons, he hadn’t reached that mark in the six years prior, raising concerns about his workload as he ages. A veteran like Brogdon, who earned the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award with the Boston Celtics in 2023, could be the perfect solution to ease the burden on Curry and provide steady leadership off the bench.
Brogdon’s fit with the Warriors is undeniable. His playmaking, scoring ability, and defensive versatility make him an ideal complement to Golden State’s fast-paced, motion-heavy system. Despite injury concerns over the past two seasons, Brogdon’s track record as a reliable contributor—highlighted by his 2017 Rookie of the Year award—makes him a low-risk, high-reward target for a Warriors team looking to maximize their championship window.
However, the Warriors’ path to Brogdon isn’t entirely unobstructed. The Minnesota Timberwolves, who faced Golden State in the playoffs, have also been linked to the veteran guard, per recent reports. Minnesota’s interest could complicate matters, but the Warriors appear to have the upper hand, especially with the Knicks out of the picture. Still, as NBA insider Jake Fischer noted on The Stein Line, Golden State’s pursuit of Brogdon may hinge on resolving restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga’s situation. Fischer wrote, “We won’t know if the Warriors emerge with more serious interest in Brogdon until the state of their roster and luxury tax bill becomes clear in the wake of a resolution to Kuminga’s fate.”
The Warriors also face potential roster decisions involving Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and the re-signing of Gary Payton II, which could force them to choose between Brogdon and another veteran guard, such as Seth Curry. These financial and roster constraints will play a significant role in determining whether Golden State can secure Brogdon’s services.
For Warriors fans, the prospect of adding Brogdon represents a dream scenario. His ability to run the offense, knock down shots, and provide defensive stability would bolster a second unit that struggled to generate consistent production last season. If the Knicks’ decision to pivot to Shamet proves to be a miscalculation, it could be the stroke of luck Golden State needs to land a noteworthy star and solidify their backcourt for another championship run.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Warriors’ front office to see if they can turn this opportunity into reality. For now, Dub Nation can dream of Brogdon donning the blue and gold, ready to help Stephen Curry and company chase another title in the Bay.