The New York Knicks still haven’t inked rookie Tyler Nickel, the sharpshooter they snagged with the No. 47 pick out of Vanderbilt, and the league expects both sides to eventually reach an agreement. But honestly, the path to getting that deal done is anything but clear, and it’s making things super complicated for the Knicks’ roster construction.
James L. Edwards III from The Athletic just dropped a report this Wednesday that makes it seem like Nickel’s status is totally up in the air before training camp even kicks off. We’re talking next week, people! Edwards is hearing that while it’s unresolved, Nickel is likely to end up sitting on the Knicks’ bench and getting minutes this season. That’s huge for a second-round pick! But first, he needs to ink that deal in the next few days or weeks. Edwards was pretty clear, saying, “From everything I’ve heard from talking to people throughout the league, Nickel and the Knicks are expected to reach some kind of contract agreement.” So, everyone thinks it’ll happen, but *when* and *how* are the real head-scratchers.
The NIL Complication Is REAL
Here’s the kicker: What kind of contract Nickel actually gets is totally up in the air because of NIL. Edwards pointed out that Nickel could actually make more cash by going back to college through an NIL deal than by taking a two-way contract with New York. Early summer reports even mentioned a possible $1 million to $1.4 million NIL deal if he just went back to school! A federal court ruling even granted him, and a few other young dudes, a fifth year of eligibility, so that door is wide open for him. Does this explain why the Knicks have open roster spots and a bunch of players on tryout deals heading into preseason? Probably. The Knicks are expected to add one more player on a standard contract before the season, all while trying to avoid that brutal second apron. Edwards even floated the idea, asking, “Could the Knicks be trying to make a trade to open up a roster spot to give Nickel a standard deal? The way this situation has played out, it sort of feels that way.” Pacôme Dadiet and Miles McBride were named as logical trade possibilities if the Knicks go that route, though Edwards is skeptical McBride gets moved before the season.
So, here we are. Nickel is unsigned, but the expectation is still that the Knicks and their second-round pick will eventually figure it out. New York’s training camp starts next week, so the clock is absolutely ticking to get this done. They’ve got to make a move, and quick, if they want this sharpshooter on the bench getting minutes.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
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