Knicks weigh Kayil decision amid cap crunch; Towns extension and center depth also on agenda
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The New York Knicks hold just $3.3 million of space beneath the league’s second luxury-tax apron and have 13 guaranteed contracts, leaving the club with difficult choices on several fronts, including whether to add rookie guard Jack Kayil to the 2026-27 roster.
Kayil, selected 39th overall, is under contract with a German team. Because the Knicks cannot contribute to his buyout if they sign him to a two-way deal, bringing him over would likely require a standard roster spot and a team-friendly contract. He showed flashes in Las Vegas, including a 19-point, four-assist outing against Detroit, but overall struggled with efficiency.
Extension talks for Towns
New York is expected to explore an extension for 30-year-old center Karl-Anthony Towns, who is eligible for a four-year, $272 million maximum deal. League observers doubt the sides will agree to the full max as the organization also prepares for Josh Hart’s upcoming extension window.
Diawara’s rough Summer League start
Forward Mohamed Diawara entered Summer League days after signing a four-year contract but hit early turbulence, shooting 1-for-14 from the field with four turnovers across two games. Team evaluators are said to remain confident in the 20-year-old’s long-term fit, noting that he played most of his minutes without a true point guard on the floor.
Searching for a third center
With Towns and newcomer Andre Drummond the only centers under contract, New York is expected to add another big man. If the 14th roster spot is not used on a veteran such as free agent Nick Richards, the club could fill a two-way slot with a developmental center or stage an open competition in training camp, replicating last year’s approach that landed Landry Shamet.
Source: Hoops Rumors
