The Knicks are trying to defend a championship and stay below the second tax apron. Pacome Dadiet could get caught between those priorities.
New York is actively exploring trade talks involving the 21-year-old forward, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, as relayed by Heavy.
The discussions come as the Knicks weigh how to finish their regular-season roster, including the possibility of keeping both James Wiseman and Bruce Brown.
New York has 13 players on guaranteed contracts. It could fill both remaining standard roster spots, but doing so without another move would push its payroll above the second apron. Owner James Dolan has said that won’t happen.
Moving Dadiet could help create the financial room to retain both veterans. Of course, finding a team willing to take him on acceptable terms is another part of the equation.
The Knicks selected Dadiet 25th overall in the 2024 draft. Trading him now would mean moving on from a young prospect who hasn’t received a sustained opportunity to establish himself.
That’s the uncomfortable part of building around a championship team. Development takes time, while the immediate roster needs tend to get louder.
New York is already planning to waive Tony Bradley, Ochai Agbaji and injured center Drew Eubanks. Those departures have strengthened Wiseman’s position in the competition for a reserve center job.
A Dadiet trade would be another decision, with implications beyond simply trimming the camp roster.
Nothing is completed, and exploring deals doesn’t guarantee one gets done. But with rosters due Monday, the Knicks have a few days to decide how much room they can make for the players they want to keep.
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