This is a big factor for the Knicks suddenly having 3 players they drafted today in the second round plus Jokubaitis’ rights, as well as suddenly very tight finances. This new second round exception allows for a 3 or 4 year contract that starts around 1.5M in the first year. Cheap as it comes. No doubt the Knicks used the second round today as a way to take advantage. An easy way to fill the last 2-3 spots on the roster.

Looking at each player:

Tyler Kolek: he’s got to be a lock for this right? He had a first round grade. Knicks were expected to consider him at 24/25. He’s an nba ready player. Should be on the roster full time under this contract.

Kevin McCullar: projected first rounder until the knee concerns. If he’s healthy he’s a roster player. But he was also the 56th pick in the draft which is 2-way contract territory. We will see about him.

Ariel Hukporti: I know nothing about him but his profile reads a lot like Jericho Sims. Is he a draft stash or a 2-way contract guy ? Is there a chance given his age and size/ athleticism Knicks might give him the second round exception to be a 4th center ?

Rokas Jokubaitis: maybe he plays in summer league but he’s now positionally blocked by Kolek. Would the Knicks really bring in a second rookie PG? I’d be surprised. They may just hold his rights for a future trade as this point. I could be off but I always figured whether or not they drafted kolek would tell us how they view Jokubaitis.

Any news on if McCullers is healthy to play in Vegas?

To complex for my pea brain - given all the unknowns and options on table.

- would assume Kole gets 1 if the 4 year 2nd round deals
- McCullers maybe same thing

- is Rokas under contract or could he be signed and moved as part of another trade?

So this second round exception may be the solution to this mikal bridges/ hard cap trade problem. Knicks can sign one of those guys to the max second round exception deal and combined it with the Jeffries contract to get over the bridges contract figure and avoid being hard capped at the first apron. Outside of Dadiet and Kolek, this could be the reason the Knicks drafted 4 guys. They wanted options to get this deal done with some extra flexibility. We will find out soon enough.