The New York Knicks have finalized agreements to bring on two rookies from their 2024 class, Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek, as reported on Thursday, July 4.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Knicks secured a buyout from German club Ratiopharm Ulm for Dadiet, allowing him to join the Knicks for the 2024-25 season.
“New York Knicks No. 25 overall pick Pacome Dadiet has agreed to a buyout with Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany), clearing the way for him to sign his first-round rookie scale contract with the Knicks, league sources told @hoopshype.” pic.twitter.com/q1qVDdO7wJ
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 4, 2024
Impressively, the Knicks managed to sign Dadiet at 80% of the standard rookie scale amount, rather than the usual 120%, as reported by Fred Katz of The Athletic.
This strategic move provided the Knicks with additional spending flexibility under the second-apron hard cap for the next season. Dadiet’s starting salary will be $1.8 million instead of the potential maximum of $2.7 million, saving the Knicks approximately $900k in cap space.
“Unexpected development: The Knicks have signed first-round pick Pacome Dadiet to 80 percent of the rookie scale, league sources say. 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.”
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 4, 2024
The Knicks reportedly paid $850k to Ratiopharm Ulm, the maximum allowed without affecting Dadiet’s cap hit, effectively covering the discount on Dadiet’s salary to facilitate his move.
Dadiet’s contract totals $13 million over four years, a substantial amount for the 18-year-old Frenchman. Last season in the EuroCup, Dadiet averaged 6.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game over 18 appearances.
Additionally, the Knicks signed rookie guard Tyler Kolek to a four-year, $9 million contract, utilizing the second-round pick exception. The contract is guaranteed for three seasons, with a team option for the fourth year.
New York acquired Kolek’s rights by trading three future second-round picks to Portland.
Kolek, 23, recently completed his senior season at Marquette, where he averaged 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot an impressive .496 from the field, .388 from three-point range, and .851 from the free-throw line, making him one of the draft’s top steals.
