Jack Kayil Headed Overseas; Tyler Nickel Expected To Go Pro
The Knicks’ two second-round picks remain without NBA contracts, but each appears to have a clear path forward. The first, Jack Kayil, announced Friday that he’ll spend the 2026-27 season with Alba Berlin rather than join New York immediately.
“I’m staying”
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 7, 2026
— Knicks 2nd-round pick Jack Kayil announces he’s staying in Europe with his team Alba Berlin on a new 5-year deal
“The NBA remains my big dream – and Alba is just the right place for me to continue on this path” pic.twitter.com/etJtrd09Hv
As reported by Ian Begley (SNY), the move had long been viewed as the most likely outcome, as the Knicks’ second-apron salary constraints made signing the 20-year-old guard difficult. A larger role in Europe should give Kayil valuable developmental minutes while New York retains his NBA rights.
Tyler Nickel, meanwhile, remains unsigned. Although recent reports suggested he could return to college under the NCAA’s new eligibility rules, Begley reports that league sources expect Nickel to begin his professional career. Because the Knicks are tight against the second apron, signing Nickel to a standard NBA contract could complicate their search for a veteran third center, making a two-way deal the most logical outcome.
Begley reports, “In recent weeks, the Knicks have also been in touch with several free agent centers who could fill the third center role. Logic tells you that if they wanted to sign one of these centers on a guaranteed one-year deal, the Knicks would have done so already.”
With Kayil staying overseas, the Knicks have 13 players on standard contracts and all three two-way spots still available as training camp approaches.
Go Knicks.
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