One team’s trash is another’s treasure? The Lakers were forced to waive Jordan Goodwin to create camp room to sign veteran guard Marcus Smart. Now, the Knicks could nab Goodwin, a defensive ace with upside.
According to The Sporting News’ Dean Simon, the Knicks are expected to consider signing Goodwin to fill out one of their final roster spots.
“The Knicks’ defense could use some upgrades, especially for their seldom-used bench unit,” he wrote on July 21. “As a result, it could make perfect sense for the team to contact ex-Los Angeles Lakers guard and impressive perimeter defender Jordan Goodwin, who became a casualty of the Lakers’ agreement to sign 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart on Sunday.”
Goodwin, a 6-foot-3 undrafted guard from Illinois, made a big impression on the Lakers during the 2024-25 season. He averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 18.7 minutes, but his defensive tenacity was his most significant contribution.
Lakers Loved Goodwin’s Potential
In March 2025, Lakers head coach JJ Redick raved about Goodwin’s hustle and energy, and explained why the team converted his two-way deal into a full-time contract.
“Just his competitive spirit, his toughness,” Redick said of what impressed him about Goodwin, via Sports Illustrated. “I joked with him this morning, he can’t get soft on us now. He’s been a banshee for us since he’s been with us on the two-way and has provided not just the attitude, the toughness on the court, but he’s played really good basketball for us. We’re confident in him.”
The Knicks, who ranked 13th in defensive efficiency last season, could surely use a perimeter defender like Goodwin.
“Goodwin’s skillset as a member of the Lakers was defined by endless hustle and stick-to-itiveness, and New York might just be the perfect place for the 26-year-old to grow his game and make meaningful contributions to a winning group,” Simon argued.
It’s worth noting that Goodwin is also a much-improved three-point shooter. He shot 38.2% from three in the 2024-25 season, making nearly one three per game from 2.3 attempts. He also made 1.1 threes per game for the Grizzlies in the 2023-24 season.
Knicks Roster a Work in Progress
As of July 21, the Knicks have 12 players under contract. They must sign at least two more players before the start of the 2025-26 season, with the option to sign another player at any point during the season. According to multiple insiders, the likes of Ben Simmons, Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon are on their radar to fill out the roster spots, with former Knicks Delon Wright and Cameron Payne also being considered.
Goodwin now essentially joins that list.
The Knicks are reportedly in a bidding war with three other teams for Simmons’ services, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
“League sources say that the Suns have also had some recent dialogue with former All-Star Ben Simmons, who I’m told has drawn interest since free agency began from Boston, New York and Sacramento,” Stein wrote on his Substack newsletter on July 20.
The Knicks are widely expected to fill out their 13th and 14th roster spots before training camp in September.
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