The New York Knicks are already deep in the summer grind after beating San Antonio 94-90 on June 14, and the roster crunch is coming fast — especially for Pacome Dadiet. The 2023 first-round pick has three years left on his deal, but his path to minutes just got narrower after a shaky Summer League run and a right foot issue that sidelined him in Las Vegas.
What’s the latest on Pacome Dadiet?
Dadiet’s Summer League opener looked promising: 20 points, seven rebounds, and a team-high effort. Then came the follow-up: four of 12 shooting and just one of six from three. His right foot soreness kept him out of Monday’s game against Detroit, and Thursday’s tilt with Golden State is now a must-show for the French wing. He’s averaged 1.7 points on 33.3 percent shooting in 29 regular-season games, so the bar isn’t high.
Why does Dadiet’s future matter now?
The Knicks already picked up his $2.98 million option for 2026-27. The $5.4 million option for 2027-28 is the real cliff. With Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Miles McBride all locked into wing minutes, depth is brutal. Veterans Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Jose Alvarado eat into any leftover scraps. Rookie Tyler Nickel, a second-rounder from 2025, already outshined Dadiet in Vegas with 44.8 percent shooting from three on heavy volume — and on a cheaper deal.
What’s next for the Knicks and Dadiet?
Health first. If Dadiet’s foot clears, he’ll need to carve out real run behind that loaded wing corps. The Knicks could still flip his expiring contract for front-court help instead of cutting him. That keeps cap flexibility without burning a roster spot. But actual minutes? They may not exist. The Summer League numbers didn’t move the needle, and the Knicks are chasing another title with Brunson and Bridges as the engine.
The Knicks enter their second Summer League game on a two-game winning run after beating Detroit, but Dadiet’s spot is the one hanging by a thread. Whether he stays in New York or lands elsewhere, the decision could land long before the season opener.