New York Knicks second-round pick Tyler Nickel remains unsigned less than a week before training camp, as reported by James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.
As of Sept. 23, Nickel had yet to agree to a contract with New York after being selected with the 47th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Vanderbilt.
"From everything I've heard from talking to people throughout the league, Nickel and the Knicks are expected to reach some kind of contract agreement," Edwards wrote.
The situation is complicated by Nickel's college eligibility. A federal court ruling last month granted him a fifth year, giving the forward another option if an NBA agreement does not materialize.
Nickel could also potentially earn more through NIL compensation in college than he would on a two-way contract with the Knicks.
"I heard earlier this offseason that Nickel was, at some point, considering a return to college," Edwards added.
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Knicks could create standard roster spot
New York's handling of the situation has also raised the possibility that the Knicks are trying to create a standard roster spot for Nickel rather than placing him on a two-way deal.
"Could the Knicks be trying to make a trade to open up a roster spot to give Nickel a standard deal?" Edwards wrote. "The way this situation has played out, it sort of feels that way."
That possibility connects with New York's broader roster situation, as the Knicks could still make another move before the season begins.
Pacome Dadiet has been mentioned as one of the easier players to move if New York decides to open another roster spot, while Miles McBride has also emerged as a possible trade candidate.