Edwards flags a curious twist: 47th‑overall pick Tyler Nickel remains unsigned for 2026/27. Should a court uphold his fifth‑year NCAA eligibility, he could earn more from an NIL deal than a two‑way NBA contract, prompting questions about carving a standard roster spot for him.
If the Knicks balk at breaching the second tax apron or drop all five veteran camp invites—Bruce Brown, John Konchar, Ochai Agbaji, Drew Eubanks and James Wiseman—signing Nickel to a standard deal would force a trade. Edwards spots Miles McBride and Pacome Dadiet as prime bait, though I think the Knicks will likely hold onto McBride until season start.
More Atlantic buzz follows.
- Who on the Nets faces the highest stakes in 2026/27? Brian Lewis of The New York Post argues it’s Julius Randle, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney and the 2025 first‑rounders beyond Egor Demin. Porter and Clowney hit contract years, while Randle can opt out in 2027. Meanwhile, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf were “inconsistent at best” as rookies and must prove their worth as sophomores.
- Lewis warns that longtime GM Sean Marks will be under the microscope in 2026/27, as the Nets lack control of their 2027 first‑round pick and the roster still falls short of playoff contention. The growth of youngsters like Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. will be crucial for a front office that has patiently endured poor lottery luck.
- An agent cited by Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca questioned why the Raptors granted Kawhi Leonard a player option in his new two‑year, $115 MM extension, calling it a “great deal for Kawhi.” Grange sees mutual benefit, noting the option lets Leonard walk away in 2028 for a lower‑salary multiyear pact, much like James Harden did in Cleveland. Will Leonard’s flexibility reshape Toronto’s long‑term plans?