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    Report: Tyler Nickel to consider return to college

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    NYK Guard-Forward
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    CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter reports that Tyler Nickel is expected to explore his options for a potential return to college.

    Selected with the 47th overall pick in June’s draft, Nickel was arguably the Knicks’ best performer at Summer League in Las Vegas. However, a recent lawsuit ruling that now allows players to play five seasons of college basketball may have opened the door for a return to campus. Nickel, who entered his name into the transfer portal in April, is said to be considering the possibility of playing another season of college basketball. According to the Nashville Post, his NIL valuation ranges from $1-1.4 million, likely more money than Nickel would make if he were to agree to a deal with the Knicks. If he does return to college, the Knicks would retain Nickel’s draft rights.
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    In the aftermath of a court decision that now allows college players five seasons of eligibility, CBS Sports reported that Nickel was considering a return to college. In addition to entering the draft in the spring, the former Vanderbilt sharpshooter entered his name into the transfer portal. Another season of college basketball could also earn Nickel more money than a deal with the Knicks, based on projections that he could command seven figures in NIL payments. However, Nickel is reportedly focused on starting his NBA career. The question is whether the Knicks will sign him to a standard contract or a two-way contract, with the latter option allowing the team to save some cap space as the front office finalizes the roster.
  • After a solid effort in his Knicks summer debut on Saturday, Kayil looked more comfortable on Monday. A reason for this may have been his insertion into the starting lineup, as the Knicks held out Mohamed Diawara and Pacôme Dadiet. More of the offense ran through players like Kayil, Tyler Nickel (nine points, six rebounds and three three-pointers) and Dillon Jones (18 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and two three-pointers), with Oziyah Sellers (10 points, seven rebounds and one assist) contributing off the bench. The lingering question for Kayil is where he’ll play his basketball next season. While the rookie has said he would prefer to remain in the NBA, the Knicks may stash him overseas to save cap space.
  • NYK Guard-Forward
    With returnees Mohamed Diawara (zero points, five rebounds, one assist and one block) and Pacôme Dadiet struggling mightily, Nickel has been one of the few bright spots for the Knicks in Las Vegas. After knocking down six three-pointers in Friday’s loss to the Nets, the second-round pick hit four more on Saturday. Putting capable shooters around Jalen Brunson has been a priority of the Knicks’ decision-makers since signing the point guard, and Nickel certainly fits the mold.
  • NYK Guard-Forward
    One of the best three-point shooters in the 2026 draft class, Nickel showcased his perimeter prowess in his summer debut. The former Vanderbilt wing shot 6-of-10 from beyond the arc on Friday, standing out on a day when his Knicks teammates combined to go 3-of-29 from three. With the Knicks’ perimeter rotation returning for another title run, Nickel faces long odds of consistently cracking Mike Brown’s rotation. However, if last season indicated anything, it’s that Brown is willing to give everyone a chance throughout the season.
  • NYK Guard-Forward
    After playing sparingly as a freshman at North Carolina, Nickel played one season at Virginia Tech before transferring to Vanderbilt for his final two. And Mark Byington’s system paid dividends for the 6-foot-6 wing, who averaged 12.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.8 three-pointers as a Commodore. Nickel shot 40.2 percent from three at Vanderbilt on 6.9 attempts per game; the perimeter shooting ability is his best asset as a potential pro. The question for Nickel in New York is whether he’ll be on a standard contract or a two-way contract. With the Knicks looking to avoid the second apron and their depth on the wings, Nickel may have a tough time cracking the rotation consistently as a rookie.

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    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Heat have signed Nick Richards to a one-year contract.

    While specifics of the deal were not provided, Richards will likely earn the veteran’s minimum next season. Between Phoenix and Chicago, the former second-round pick appeared in 48 games last season, averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.6 minutes. While Richards gives the Heat more size in the frontcourt, he’s unlikely to be in a position to impact fantasy basketball in 2026-27.
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    Rockets signed Rafael Castro to a two-way contract.

    Not selected in June’s draft after two quality seasons at George Washington, Castro was initially reported to have signed with the Bucks on a two-way deal. However, the deal was never finalized, opening the door for Castro to sign with the Rockets. To make room for Castro, the Rockets have waived two-way guard Tristen Newton.
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    Nuggets signed Bryce Hopkins to a two-way contract.

    The 49th overall pick in the 2026 draft, Hopkins had a productive Summer League run in Las Vegas. The former St. John’s standout has been rewarded with a two-way deal, and there could be times during the season when he’s called upon to provide added depth on the wing. While worthy of a look in dynasty leagues, there’s no need to consider Hopkins in redraft formats during draft season.
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    ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Jordan Miller underwent surgery on a torn left rotator cuff and will be reevaluated in six months.

    Miller’s injury could mean additional run for Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn, though the pair will compete with Gradey Dick, Bradley Beal and Darius Garland for minutes.
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    ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Timberwolves.

    Kuminga’s free agency saga is over as he joins a contender where he’ll likely have a starting role. Kuminga’s deal has a player option in Year 2, giving him the chance to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
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    ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Bennedict Mathurin has signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal to join the Pelicans.

    According to Shams, the Pels asked the Clippers to withdraw their qualifying offer on the restricted free agent so that they could get the deal done. Mathurin’s deal includes a player option that will give him the chance to hit the market as an unrestricted free agent next summer. He should play a significant role for New Orleans, though the competition for minutes will be fiercer than it was in LA.
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    NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that the Pelicans remain the one “aggressive suitor” for restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin.

    Like Detroit’s Jalen Duren, Mathurin’s status as a restricted free agent has made the task of landing a contract a challenging one. Few teams have the cap space to make the former lottery pick an attractive offer, and the Clippers also have to factor in the Kawhi Leonard trade, which the Raptors paused while the NBA investigates his contract. According to Fischer, the Pelicans remain interested in adding Mathurin via sign-and-trade. However, with more players becoming trade-eligible in September, that may have to wait. Another option for Mathurin is to accept the Clippers’ qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer.
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    ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that the Warriors signed Georges Niang to a one-year deal worth $3.9 million.

    Thanks to a foot injury suffered before the start of training camp, Niang did not play at all in 2025-26 after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Jazz. The veteran forward, who was sent to Memphis as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, was waived shortly thereafter. Playing for the Cavaliers and Hawks, Niang averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.1 three-pointers per game in 2024-25, shooting 40.6 percent from beyond the arc. He’ll provide the Warriors with added frontcourt depth but is unlikely to be in a position where he consistently affects fantasy basketball.
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    ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Brandon Williams has agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million deal to join the Golden State Warriors.

    In his third season with Dallas, Williams enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career behind averages of 13 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.2 “stocks.” He’ll offer depth to a Warriors team that surprisingly stood pat during free agency, and Williams will compete for backup guard minutes with the likes of De’Anthony Melton and Will Richard.
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    NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Nick Richards is a “prime candidate” to sign with the Heat.

    The Heat continue filling out their roster, most recently signing Klay Thompson to a two-year deal. However, they still need interior depth, and Richards is reportedly under consideration. Stein’s report aligns with those of Heat beat reporters in recent days. However, if he were to sign with the Heat, Richards’ addition would not have a significant impact on fantasy basketball.