Despite their run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the New York Knicks had deficiencies that led to their loss to the eventual East champion Indiana Pacers.
They lacked a serious bench, with most of their reserve minutes going to players like Landry Shamet and Delon Wright, but Leon Rose and company addressed that coming into 2025-26, with players like Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Malcolm Brogdon joining the fray.
In order to keep all of their newly acquired veteran depth, the Knicks may be forced to cut ties with a youngster to clear cap and roster space.
Knicks are reportedly 'gauging interest' on former first-round pick Pacome Dadiet
According to the Stein Line's Jake Fischer, the Knicks are calling teams around the league regarding their 2024 first-round pick, Pacome Dadiet.
"Sources tell The Stein Line that the Knicks have indeed already called several teams to gauge interest in Dadiet," Fischer wrote.
"When I was working the phones Friday, numerous teams were convinced New York had Dadiet in the starting lineup purely to showcase him."
Dadiet, the 24th overall pick in last year's draft, played sparingly as a rookie, appearing in only 18 games. The French-native is a developmental player with tantalizing upside, given his 6'8" frame.
The 20-year-old did start in the Knicks' first preseason game last week in the place of OG Anunoby, but whether or not that was for the purpose of pumping up his value remains to be seen.
If the Knicks want to retain Brogdon and Shamet, they will have to trade at least one of their youngsters. Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Deuce McBride, or Ariel Hukport will have to go.
With just a few weeks to go to Opening Night, it will be interesting to see what avenue the Knicks take.
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