Jack

Kayil

The 39th overall pick in June’s draft, Kayil appeared likely to remain overseas despite his stated desire to play in the NBA immediately. However, with the Knicks’ need for cap space as the team aims to avoid the second apron, the guard’s chances of landing a standard contract appeared to be slim. Kayil had some positive moments during summer league play, but he did not play at all in the second half of the Knicks’ finale in Las Vegas. New York retains his draft rights, and dynasty league managers can afford to leave Kayil on draft boards for now.

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.

Initially a question mark to arrive in Las Vegas at all, Kayil received the necessary clearance from Alba Berlin and made his Knicks summer debut on Saturday. The 39th overall pick in last month’s draft logged 21 minutes off the bench and played well after getting over some early jitters. Kayil has said that his goal is to come over to the NBA immediately and not spend another season in Europe, but he also noted after Saturday’s loss that the decision isn’t up to him. Kayil remaining with Alba Berlin would give the Knicks a little more room under the second apron, which may impact the thinking of Knicks decision-makers.

The 6-foot-5, 185-pound Kayil had a productive season for Alba Berlin, averaging 12.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in just over 21 minutes per game, shooting 40 percent from the field, 34 percent from three and 77 percent from the foul line. He initially committed to Gonzaga, but ultimately decided to enter the 2026 draft and then remain in it. While Kayil still has strides to make as a playmaker, he’s a versatile combo guard who can also defend both positions. As part of a trade negotiated earlier Wednesday, Kayil’s draft rights head to the Knicks. Given New York’s desire to avoid the second apron, there may be questions about whether Kayil will come over to the NBA immediately or spend another season in Germany.