Knicks Second-Rounder Jack Kayil Signs With ALBA Berlin

Knicks second-round pick Jack Kayil will become a draft-and-stash prospect, according to Rupert Fabig of the Hamburger Abendbatt, who reports that the German point guard has signed a five-year contract with ALBA Berlin (hat tip to Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops).

The German club has put out a press release officially confirming its deal with Kayil, this year’s 39th overall pick.

There had long been an expectation that Kayil would continue his career overseas rather than coming stateside, but that wasn’t a lock. The Knicks still have all three of their two-way contract slots open and the 20-year-old – who expressed a desire to play in the NBA right away – had an uncertain contractual situation in Europe after he spent last season with ALBA Berlin while on loan from Mega Basket in Serbia.

ALBA Berlin reportedly paid a buyout fee to Mega Basket in order to exclusively secure Kayil’s rights in Europe going forward, while the Knicks will retain his NBA rights. It’s unclear what sort of NBA exit clauses Kayil’s new deal might feature, but it’s probably safe to assume he’ll have the ability to opt out – likely with a buyout penalty attached – at some point in the next five years if New York wants to sign him.

Kayil averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game for ALBA Berlin, posting a shooting line of .383/.310/.785, per RealGM. He was named the Basketball Bundesliga’s Best Young Player and played a key role in helping the team earn a domestic championship in the BBL.

The Knicks’ other 2026 draft pick, 47th overall selection Tyler Nickel, remains unsigned. According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic (Twitter links), Nickel continues to mull returning to college for another year after a federal court ruling granted him an extra year of eligibility. However, the NCAA has appealed that court ruling, and even if Nickel does go back to school, New York would retain his NBA rights as a domestic draft-and-stash prospect.