Tyler Nickel has a path back to college and potentially more money waiting there. His preference, however, remains beginning his professional career with the New York Knicks.
Despite reports that Nickel was considering using a newly granted fifth season of NCAA eligibility, league sources told SNY’s Ian Begley that the unsigned second-round pick is “all in” on turning professional.
That clarification shifts the focus back to the Knicks, who must decide what type of contract they are willing to offer one of the best shooters from the Las Vegas Summer League.
Nickel could sign a two-way contract, but he would likely be leaving substantial money on the table. Begley noted that the 22-year-old could presumably earn more through name, image and likeness deals if he returned to college.
The Knicks control his NBA rights after selecting him No. 47 overall in June.
Tyler Nickel Made His Case in Las Vegas
Getty Knicks rookie Tyler Nickel defends Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr., the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, during NBA Summer League action in Las Vegas. Nickel has opened Summer League by showcasing the perimeter shooting and defensive intensity he believes can earn him a role with New York.
Nickel arrived at Summer League with a reputation as a movement shooter. He left having reinforced it.
The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one steal over five games. He made 19 of his 46 attempts from beyond the arc, shooting 41.3% on a Summer League-leading 46 attempts, according to SNY.
His 19 made 3-pointers were the most by any player in Las Vegas and the second-highest total by a Knicks player in one Summer League, trailing only Quentin Grimes.
Nickel’s best performance came immediately. He scored 18 points and made six 3-pointers in his debut against the Brooklyn Nets. Through his first two games, he had already converted 10 shots from deep.
The shooting was expected. His defensive activity provided the more encouraging development.
Nickel competed through screens, used his size on the wing and showed enough effort to suggest he could eventually survive defensively in an NBA rotation. For a Knicks roster built around high-usage stars, his willingness to move without the ball and punish unattended defenders gives him an obvious developmental path.
Knicks’ Center Search Complicates Contract Decision
New York could sign Nickel to a standard NBA contract through the second-round exception. Doing so, however, would leave the Knicks without enough room under the second apron to add a third center on a veteran-minimum deal, according to Begley.
That matters after Mitchell Robinson left for Boston and Ariel Hukporti joined Philadelphia. Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond are the only established centers on the current roster, leaving New York vulnerable if either misses time.
A two-way contract represents the cleanest compromise. It would allow Nickel to begin his professional career, develop with Westchester and remain available for NBA games without consuming the financial room reserved for another center.
Nickel’s college option exists because a federal judge ruled that athletes who began their college careers in 2022-23 are eligible for a fifth season in 2026-27. The NCAA is expected to appeal the decision, according to ESPN.
The ruling gave Nickel leverage and an unusually lucrative alternative. It apparently has not changed his preferred destination.
Nickel wants to be a professional. Now the Knicks must determine how strongly they want to keep him in New York.
Knicks Get Major Rookie Update Amid College Return Rumors