The New York Knicks are reportedly contacting several teams about trading Pacôme Dadiet, a 20-year-old French forward and former first-round pick, to maintain roster flexibility. The report, published by Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, states, “The focus for that trade has been on former first-round pick Pacome Dadiet ever since the Knicks signed the two veterans to Exhibit 9 contracts. Sources tell The Stein Line that Knicks, in fact, have indeed already called several teams to gauge interest in Dadiet.”
The Knicks are currently hard-capped at the NBA’s second apron, a salary limit that restricts spending above a certain threshold. Because of this rule, the team cannot retain both Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet without moving another player to clear salary space. Both guards recently signed Exhibit 9 contracts, which are one-year, non-guaranteed deals typically used during training camp.
- The Knicks are reportedly shopping Pacôme Dadiet to create cap flexibility and keep both Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet.
- Dadiet, a 20-year-old French forward and 25th overall pick in 2024, has shown promise but limited NBA experience.
- If a trade is not completed soon, New York may be forced to release one of the veteran guards before the 2025–26 season begins.
Dadiet’s Contract, Performance, and Trade Value
Dadiet, selected 25th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft presented by State Farm, was considered a developmental project when drafted. In his rookie season, he appeared in 18 games, averaging 1.7 points, 1 rebound, 0.3 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game. During the Las Vegas Summer League opener, he scored 17 points but played in only a few games before being sidelined with a foot issue.
Dadiet is scheduled to make $2.8 million for the 2025–26 season. The Knicks have not yet exercised the team options on his next two years. Multiple teams are reportedly willing to take on his contract but are expected to request a second-round draft pick in exchange for absorbing the salary.
If the Knicks cannot finalize a trade, the team will need to part with either Brogdon or Shamet before the start of the 2025–26 regular season.
Preseason Role and Playing Time
Dadiet began the Knicks’ preseason on the road, playing in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena against the Philadelphia 76ers. In the first game, he was part of the starting lineup. In the second game, he came off the bench. Across both appearances, he logged a total of 24 minutes, recording four points, three rebounds, and one assist.
During his rookie campaign, he played in 20 games and averaged 1.2 points per game. Before joining the NBA, Dadiet played professionally in Europe, beginning with Paris in 2021, then joining ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s easyCredit BBL and the BKT EuroCup from early 2023 to the end of the 2023–24 season.
Betting Markets Adjust to Knicks’ Roster Situation
Recent roster activity and cap management efforts have coincided with adjustments in the Knicks’ betting odds across major sportsbooks.
According to FanDuel, the Knicks’ current odds to win the 2025–26 NBA Championship are +1000. ESPN’s consensus futures board also lists the Knicks at +1000. On DraftKings, as reported by Sports Illustrated, New York is priced at +850. These numbers reflect a shift from the team’s earlier summer odds of +900, as shown by tracking on BetMGM, which confirmed that the Knicks’ odds shortened from +900 to +850 between July and October.
Covers and VegasInsider data also list the Knicks in the +900 range, consistent with other sportsbooks’ figures. Across all platforms, the Knicks are positioned as a top contender, typically ranking behind teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets.
In Eastern Conference futures, ESPN places the Knicks at +325, behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (+225) and ahead of the Orlando Magic (+550).
Win-total projections have also been adjusted upward. DraftKings and Action Network listed the Knicks at 52.5 wins in July, while BetMGM moved their line to 53.5 wins by late August, with both the Over and Under priced at −110.
Knicks Balancing Youth and Veteran Depth
Reports indicate that some members of the Knicks’ front office remain cautious about trading Dadiet due to his potential and athletic profile, though others view moving him as the most practical way to keep both veterans and stay within the second-apron limits.
Executives across the league reportedly view Dadiet as a moderate-value prospect who could net a second-round draft pick or two. His size, athleticism, and scoring potential are seen as positives, though his limited NBA experience is a factor.
Head coach Mike Brown, who succeeded Tom Thibodeau, will oversee a roster that also includes Garrison Mathews, Jordan Clarkson, and Guerschon Yabusele, in addition to Brogdon and Shamet – with an aim to provide veteran depth and shooting stability for the upcoming season.
Former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony added to that sentiment when he predicted on NBC Sports that New York would finish as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and “make the NBA Finals.”
