After a flurry of trades, the New York Knicks walked out of the first-round of the 2024 NBA Draft with one rookie, selecting Pacôme Dadiet with the 25th overall pick.
And now he’s signed his rookie contract, but it’s not orthodox. Fred Katz of The Athletic was first with reports.
“Unexpected development: The Knicks have signed first-round pick Pacome Dadiet to 80 percent of the rookie scale, league sources say,” Katz tweeted on July 4. “The move will save the Knicks a significant amount, $904K, under the 2024-25 hard cap. Knicks also paid a buyout to his German team.”
It’s another cap navigating move from Brock Aller, Vice President of Basketball and Strategic Planning.
And it’s the first time a first-round pick hasn’t signed for 120% of their contract since Kevin Porter Jr. in 2019. Indiana Pacers reporter Tony East reported as much in a July 4 tweet.
“Extremely rare,” East wrote. “First sice Kevin Porter Jr in 2019 to not sign for 120% of rookie scale (I believe), and KPJ’s deal went back up to 120% of rookie scale for years 2-4. That was a tax thing and not an apron thing, though – wonder where this lands.”
In short, Dadiet will be paid 80% of his contract in the first season. And the Knicks, to cover the difference, are paying for his buyout from German club Ratiopharm Ulm.
Dadiet’s Immediate Future Still Up in Air
The immediate reaction of fans was that the 18-year-old Dadiet would be stashed overseas while he develops.
But he has other plans.
“I’m planning on playing here,” Dadiet told reporters after being drafted by the Knicks.
Asked about his game and what he brings to New York, Dadiet offered up versatility.
“I think I’m really versatile, but I can also bring what a rookie needs to bring in a team,” Dadiet said on June 26. “Bring some energy, being able to grab a rebound and push the ball, but also knock down shots.”
Whether or not the Knicks will employ Dadiet on a team that won 50 games last season is uncertain. The franchise made multiple win now moves this offseason in re-signing OG Anunoby and trading for Mikal Bridges.
Dadiet is the 28th ranked prospect on Kevin O’Connor’s Big Board for The Ringer.
Now he’ll look to compete, and be at least the 15th ranked talent at training camp, earning a roster spot in New York.
Knicks Sign Tyler Kolek to Rookie Deal
In addition to Dadiet, second-round pick Tyler Kolek has signed his rookie deal. The fourth-year guard out of Marquette was selected with the 34th overall pick in the draft.
Katz was also first with reports of his contract.
“The Knicks have signed Tyler Kolek to a four-year, $9.06M contract, league source said,” Katz tweeted on July 4. “Team option on the fourth year. First three years guaranteed.”
His immediate future with the Knicks is likely tied to that of backup guard Miles McBride. New York has been looking into trades for centers after losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency.
McBride represents one of few players that could be available in those talks.
Kolek is a 23-year-old guard coming off of three seasons with the Marquette Golden Eagles. He averaged 15.3 points, 7.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 31 games last season.
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