The New York Knicks fan-favorite guard Tyler Kolek has recently appeared in trade rumors as a possible candidate to exit the team ahead of the start of the season, but so far his place on the team seems to be safe.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Kolek has not been shopped by the Knicks so far as we near the new season.
"The Knicks, according to one source briefed on the talks, did not shop reserve guard Tyler Kolek to try to make roster room for Bruce Brown before Brown's release Saturday," Stein reports.
Knicks would consider trading Kolek
While his spot on the team looks to be safe for now, Stein notes that the Knicks would have dealt Kolek under one scenario.
The Knicks continue looking for one more addition at center, and a possible opportunity to land a coveted option at this position would potentially mean Kolek's end in New York.
"I'm told that Kolek would only have been dealt before Tuesday's season opener against visiting Philadelphia if the deal brought a coveted center to New York," Stein noted.
Kolek enters Year 3
The 25-year-old guard enters his third year with the Knicks this season.
Last season, Kolek saw his role increase from his rookie campaign; he appeared in 62 games, putting up 4.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per contest.
He shot 43.5% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range in around 12 minutes per game.
This season, Kolek is set to earn around $2.3 million in the third year of his rookie deal, while also having a team option worth around $2.5 million for the 2027-28 season.