sportingnews
The New York Knicks have decided against exercising the fourth-year team option on forward Pacome Dadiet, a move that will free up $5.37 million in salary cap space for the 2026-27 season. The choice was made just before the Knicks opened NBA Cup play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
By declining the option, New York will allow Dadiet to become an unrestricted free agent in June, though both parties could still explore a reunion down the line. The decision follows the team's unsuccessful efforts to trade the 6-foot-9 Frenchman during the final week of the preseason, when they sought to open a roster spot for Bruce Brown.
Dadiet, selected 25th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has struggled to secure consistent minutes since arriving in New York. In 18 games as a rookie, he averaged 1.7 points on 32 percent shooting. Last season, across 29 appearances, he posted the same scoring average while shooting 33 percent from the field, as noted by SNY's Phillips Martinez.
The Knicks have been hit hard by injuries early this season, a factor that made retaining Brown a priority. However, the inability to find a trade partner for Dadiet left the team with limited options. The move signals that New York has no immediate plans to develop Dadiet within its system, a harsh reality for the former first-round pick who will likely seek opportunities elsewhere this summer.
Key Analysis
Declining Dadiet's option provides the Knicks with financial flexibility as they navigate a challenging start to the season. The 6-foot-9 forward, who won a championship with New York just months ago, has yet to carve out a defined role, and the team's decision reflects a pragmatic approach to roster construction. While Dadiet's tenure may be ending, he will always hold a championship ring from his time in New York.
Originally reported by sportingnews.