The New York Knicks have decided to cut into a bit of their cap space by picking up the third-year option of point guard Shane Larkin, a first round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.
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In June, the New York Knicks dealt center Tyson Chandler and point guard Raymond Felton to the Dallas Mavericks. In return, they received guards Jose Calderon, Wayne Ellington and Shane Larkin, veteran center Samuel Dalembert and two second round picks, the 34th-overall selection (Cleanthony Early) and the 51st-overall selection (Thanasis Antetokounmpo).
Most expect Calderon to provide an upgrade for the Knicks at point guard, largely because he is an excellent shooter. Dalembert may wind up being the starting center and Ellington could provide shooting from the perimeter. Shane Larkin’s role is a bit of a question mark. That, however, didn’t keep the Knicks from making a commitment to the former Miami Hurricanes’ star.
According to Adrian Wjonarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Knicks will pick up the third-year option on Shane Larkin’s contract.
"After some initial uncertainty, the New York Knicks plan to pick up the third-year contract option for guard Shane Larkin, league sources told Yahoo Sports."
Shane Larkin will make $1,675,320 during the 2015-2016 season so it does cut into the Knicks’ cap room if they plan to pursue the likes of Memphis Grizzlies’ center Marc Gasol. The Knicks could also wait until 2016 when Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant headlines what should be a fantastic class, which is when Shane Larkin will come off the books.
Shane Larkin was the 18th-overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft, but struggled as a rookie. He was up and down from the D-League and played in just 48 games for the Mavericks. He averaged 2.8 points and 1.5 assists in 10.2 minutes per game. He shot 38.0% from the field, 31.6% from beyond the arc and 64.0% from the charity stripe.
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