What happened: The New York Knicks intend to stash 2026 second-round pick Jack Kayil overseas for the 2026-27 season rather than add him to the NBA roster, according to a report from SNY's Ian Begley. The plan would keep Kayil, the No. 39 overall selection, with ALBA Berlin in Germany's Bundesliga for another year. The move follows a flurry of team-friendly re-signings, including Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet.

Why it matters: The draft-and-stash approach lets New York avoid committing a roster spot and additional guaranteed salary to an end-of-bench player while staying below the second apron. With limited flexibility after its re-signings, the Knicks are working with roughly $9 million to fill three of their four remaining roster spots. Even a minimum contract for Kayil, around $1.4 million, carries weight against that tight budget.

What to watch: Watch whether Kayil's overseas assignment is finalized and how the Knicks allocate their remaining roster spots and cap space as free agency continues.