Following a series of trades, the New York Knicks emerged from the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft with just one new player, selecting Pacôme Dadiet at the 25th overall spot.
Dadiet has now signed his rookie contract, but it’s unconventional. Fred Katz of The Athletic reported on July 4, “Unexpected development: The Knicks have signed first-round pick Pacome Dadiet to 80 percent of the rookie scale, league sources say.” This maneuver will save the Knicks about $904,000 against the 2024-25 hard cap. Additionally, the Knicks paid a buyout to his German team.
This cap-saving strategy is another shrewd move by Brock Aller, the Knicks’ Vice President of Basketball and Strategic Planning.
It’s the first instance of a first-round pick signing for less than 120% of their rookie scale since Kevin Porter Jr. in 2019. Indiana Pacers reporter Tony East highlighted this rarity on July 4, noting, “Extremely rare. First since Kevin Porter Jr. in 2019 to not sign for 120% of rookie scale (I believe), and KPJ’s deal went back up to 120% of rookie scale for years 2-4. That was a tax thing and not an apron thing, though – wonder where this lands.” Essentially, Dadiet will receive 80% of his contract in the first season, with the Knicks covering the gap by paying his buyout from German club Ratiopharm Ulm.
Initially, fans speculated that the 18-year-old Dadiet might be stashed overseas for development. However, he has different intentions. “I’m planning on playing here,” Dadiet asserted after being drafted by the Knicks.
Extremely rare. First sice Kevin Porter Jr in 2019 to not sign for 120% of rookie scale (I believe), and KPJ's deal went back up to 120% of rookie scale for years 2-4. That was a tax thing and not an apron thing, though – wonder where this lands. https://t.co/Fjk0Lv57br
— Tony East (@TonyREast) July 4, 2024
On his game, Dadiet emphasized his versatility, saying on June 26, “I think I’m really versatile, but I can also bring what a rookie needs to bring to a team. Bring some energy, being able to grab a rebound and push the ball, but also knock down shots.”
It remains unclear if the Knicks will integrate Dadiet into a team that won 50 games last season. The franchise has made several win-now moves this offseason, including re-signing OG Anunoby and trading for Mikal Bridges.
Dadiet is ranked 28th on Kevin O’Connor’s Big Board for The Ringer. He now aims to compete and secure at least the 15th spot at training camp to earn a roster place in New York.
In addition to Dadiet, the Knicks have signed second-round pick Tyler Kolek, a fourth-year guard from Marquette selected 34th overall, to his rookie deal. Fred Katz was also first to report on this contract.