The New York Knicks have waived former Los Angeles Lakers forward and sharpshooter Matt Ryan.

The New York Knicks Have Waived Former Los Angeles Lakers Forward and Sharpshooter Matt Ryan: A Look at His Career and the Impact of the Move

On March 3, 2025, the New York Knicks made the decision to waive Matt Ryan, a former sharpshooting forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, after a brief stint with the team. This move marks another chapter in Ryan’s evolving NBA career, which has been defined by his exceptional three-point shooting, his ability to find minutes on competitive teams, and his journey through the challenges that come with being a fringe player in the league. Ryan’s time with the Knicks was brief, but his career as a whole is a testament to resilience, work ethic, and the constant pursuit of excellence.

In this article, we take a deep dive into Matt Ryan’s career trajectory, the factors that led to his release by the Knicks, and what this move means both for him personally and for the Knicks as an organization.

Matt Ryan’s Early Career: A Sharpshooter’s Journey

Matt Ryan’s basketball journey began in the college ranks, where he played for the Chattanooga Mocs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He wasn’t one of the most highly regarded prospects coming out of college, but his shooting ability stood out. Ryan excelled as a perimeter shooter, making him a valuable asset to his college team. Over his four years at Chattanooga, he showed that he could stretch the floor and provide scoring in bunches. His ability to make three-pointers was his calling card, a skill that would later define his professional career.

Despite putting up solid numbers in college, Ryan went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft. His lack of elite athleticism and size limited his appeal to NBA teams, but his exceptional shooting ability remained a compelling factor. The rise of the “three-and-D” archetype in the NBA, players who can shoot the ball effectively from deep while contributing defensively, played to Ryan’s strengths and kept his dreams of making it to the NBA alive.

Undeterred by going undrafted, Ryan entered the NBA’s G League, playing for the Salt Lake City Stars. His time in the G League proved valuable, and he became known for his scoring off the bench, particularly his deadly three-point shooting. His reputation as a sharpshooter started to spread, and his performances caught the attention of NBA teams looking for that type of specialist to add to their roster.

Breakthrough with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2021, after a successful G League stint, Ryan’s persistence paid off when he was given an opportunity by the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most high-profile franchises. The Lakers were in need of a shooting boost to complement their star-studded lineup, which included LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Ryan’s ability to knock down three-pointers at a high clip made him a logical addition to the roster.

During his time with the Lakers, Matt Ryan became a fan favorite for his clutch shooting and hustle. While his role was primarily as a bench player, he showed flashes of brilliance. One of his most memorable moments came during the 2022 season, when he hit a game-winning three-pointer against the New Orleans Pelicans in a buzzer-beater that helped the Lakers secure a vital victory in their playoff push. Ryan’s shooting percentages were impressive, and he quickly became a solid contributor off the bench in certain matchups.

However, his time with the Lakers was marked by limited minutes and inconsistent playing time. The team’s depth, combined with the pressure of competing for a championship, meant that Ryan had to constantly prove himself worthy of minutes in a crowded rotation. Despite his impressive shooting ability, he wasn’t always able to crack the regular rotation, especially as the Lakers shuffled their roster to accommodate new players and adjust to the needs of their stars.

The Lakers ultimately waived Ryan in 2023, cutting ties with him in the midst of a roster overhaul. However, Ryan’s strong work ethic and shooting continued to be valued by other NBA teams, and it didn’t take long for him to find a new opportunity.

Joining the New York Knicks: A Fresh Start

In 2024, Matt Ryan signed with the New York Knicks, who were looking to add depth and shooting to their roster. The Knicks, under head coach Tom Thibodeau, had established themselves as a gritty, defensively-focused team, but they were still in need of offensive firepower, particularly from beyond the arc. Ryan, a proven three-point shooter, seemed like a good fit for their system.

Initially, Ryan’s role with the Knicks was similar to his time with the Lakers—coming off the bench and providing shooting when needed. He spent the early part of the season trying to earn more playing time by proving his value in practice and during mop-up minutes in games. However, with the Knicks contending for playoff positioning, the competition for minutes became fierce, and Ryan’s opportunities to contribute were limited.

Despite his shooting ability, Ryan struggled to break through in a rotation filled with established veterans and young talent. The Knicks, with players like Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Jalen Brunson taking center stage on offense, were focused on their overall team chemistry and defensive schemes. Ryan’s inability to break through consistently into the rotation led to a series of questions about his future with the team.

The Decision to Waive Matt Ryan

On March 3, 2025, the New York Knicks waived Matt Ryan, bringing his short tenure with the team to an end. The move was not entirely unexpected, given Ryan’s limited role in the rotation and the Knicks’ need to make space for other players. New York, like many teams around the league, has a finite number of roster spots, and the decision to waive Ryan may have been a product of their desire to explore other options or to clear room for an incoming trade or free agent signing.

From a strategic standpoint, the decision to waive Ryan makes sense. While his three-point shooting remains an asset, his overall game does not offer the kind of versatility that Thibodeau typically values. Thibodeau’s system prioritizes defensive intensity, and Ryan’s lack of significant defensive impact likely contributed to his inability to secure a more prominent role. Furthermore, as the Knicks look to make a deeper push into the playoffs, every roster spot is crucial, and a player who can contribute both defensively and offensively in a more well-rounded manner may have been prioritized over Ryan.

For Ryan personally, the move is a setback but not the end of his career. While being waived can be disheartening for any player, it’s important to remember that Ryan’s ability to shoot the basketball at a high level has made him a sought-after commodity in the NBA. There is a strong possibility that he will find another team willing to give him a chance to showcase his skills, especially considering the league’s increasing emphasis on shooting and spacing. His time with the Knicks may have been brief, but the exposure and the opportunity to practice with high-level players in a competitive environment will help him as he continues his career.

What’s Next for Matt Ryan?

The question now is where Matt Ryan will land next. There is no doubt that his sharpshooting skills remain highly valued, and several NBA teams could potentially give him another chance. Teams in need of a reliable three-point shooter off the bench or as a depth piece for the playoffs could view Ryan as an appealing option.

For instance, playoff-contending teams looking to add shooting to their roster for the postseason may take a chance on Ryan, who has shown the ability to hit timely shots in clutch moments. Teams like the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, or even the Milwaukee Bucks, who rely on spacing and shooting to complement their superstars, could be potential landing spots for Ryan.

Beyond the NBA, Ryan could also explore opportunities overseas. The global game of basketball continues to grow in prominence, with top leagues in Europe and Asia offering competitive salaries and high-level play. If Ryan’s NBA opportunities dry up, a move overseas could offer him a new challenge and a chance to showcase his skills on a different stage.

The Knicks’ Long-Term Strategy

For the Knicks, waiving Matt Ryan is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The team is focused on building a competitive roster for the future, and the front office has been looking to balance their present and future ambitions. The Knicks’ decision to part ways with Ryan reflects the realities of the modern NBA, where even talented players sometimes struggle to find a consistent role on a deep, contending team. The move clears space for other players who fit Thibodeau’s system more cohesively and strengthens the team’s long-term strategy of building a contender that can make noise in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks’ front office has a clear vision in mind, and every decision they make is geared toward optimizing their roster for sustained success. With a solid core of young players, including RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, and a seasoned leader in Julius Randle, the Knicks are positioning themselves for continued growth. Whether Matt Ryan’s departure plays a major role in their postseason success or not, it remains part of the larger effort to build a championship-contending team.