The New York Knicks did not get any player in the first round of the NBA Draft on Tuesday after trading down three times, possibly due to financial constraints.
The Knicks selected Cameron Carr with the No. 24 pick, but traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 25 pick, which the defending champions used on Sergio de Larrea. The Knicks traded de Larrea to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Koa Peat, who was the No. 30 pick, and two second-round picks. Finally, the Knicks sent Peat to the Phoenix Suns for three second-round picks and cash considerations.
Whew.
In the second round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday, New York finally added a prospect, selecting Jack Kayil with the No. 39 pick. Kayil is coming off a professional career in Germany, helping Alba Berlin win the title in Bundesliga.
While the 20-year-old guard is largely unknown, he stressed his competitiveness.
“I think one of my strengths is that I love winning, and I give everything for that. To come to this organization, it shows that they also want winners, so I think it’s a good fit,” said Kayil in a video posted by SNY.
Jack Kayil says it means "a lot" for the NBA champion Knicks to draft him:
"I think also one of my strengths is that I love winning and I give everything for that." pic.twitter.com/LxfRGhuRiD
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 25, 2026
Kayil earned multiple accolades this year, including Bundesliga Best Young Player, FIBA Champions League Best Young Player, and a nod to the All-FIBA Champions League Second Team.
Clearly, he will have to prove himself to earn a spot on the Knicks, who are already stacked in the backcourt with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, and Tyler Kolek.
The Knicks also selected Tyler Nickel with the No. 47 pick.
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