The New York Knicks can bypass strict second apron payroll limits by trading second-year forward Pacome Dadiet’s $2.98 million salary into a traded player exception without taking salary back, according to a post on X by Eddie Presti. Presti identified 13 potential partner teams for the transaction, including the Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Milwaukee Bucks, which would free enough financial space to sign multiple veteran minimum contracts ahead of training camp.
Salary Cap Math and Second Apron Constraints
According to ESPN cap analyst Bobby Marks via The Kot Show, the Knicks sit $3,273,768 below the second apron threshold. With the standard veteran minimum carrying a $2.4 million cap hit, New York can only keep one of five players currently on non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contracts without making a roster move. Moving Dadiet’s $2,983,680 salary—signed on a four-year rookie deal in July 2024—would expand that room to $6,257,448, according to Spotrac figures cited by The Kot Show. That expansion covers two veteran minimum signings while keeping the team roughly $1.46 million under the apron line.
Roster Battles and Veteran Targets
Five veterans—Bruce Brown, James Wiseman, Ochai Agbaji, John Konchar, and Drew Eubanks—are competing for roster spots under non-guaranteed training camp deals, according to reports. SNY’s Ian Begley noted on The Putback podcast that the front office may want to bring in more than one experienced player alongside Landry Shamet, a move that makes a trade necessary. Tommy Beer of Knicks Centric reported that Wiseman and Eubanks are slated to battle for the third-string center job behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond.
https://x.com/EddiePresti_/status/2101117807945555978
Evaluating Dadiet’s Future in New York
Drafted 25th overall in 2024 out of Aubagne, France, Dadiet averaged 1.7 points across 18 rookie games while playing limited minutes, though he posted 22.2 points per game in the G League. Marc Stein reported in January that the Knicks made Dadiet and Guerschon Yabusele available in trade discussions. Adding to the roster complexity, Fred Katz reported that Dadiet signed for 80% of the rookie scale to save $904,000—funds that went toward an $850,000 buyout for Ratiopharm Ulm—leaving his current contract as the primary financial blockade to adding a second veteran.
Pro Tip: Traded player exceptions (TPEs) allow teams over the salary cap to absorb incoming player salaries without sending matching salary outward, provided the acquiring team operates under specific apron thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traded player exception (TPE)?
A TPE is a credit generated from a previous trade that allows a team to absorb a player’s salary into existing cap space or exceptions without sending matching salary back.
Why do the Knicks need to make a trade to sign veterans?
According to ESPN reporting cited by The Kot Show, New York sits roughly $3.27 million below the second apron. Because veteran minimum contracts carry a $2.4 million cap hit, the team cannot sign multiple veterans without clearing space.
Who are the players competing for camp roster spots?
Bruce Brown, James Wiseman, Ochai Agbaji, John Konchar, and Drew Eubanks signed non-guaranteed contracts to compete for open roster positions.
Join the Discussion
Do you think the Knicks should trade Pacome Dadiet to secure veteran depth, or keep the young forward for long-term development? Drop a comment below and explore our latest New York Knicks coverage for more roster updates.
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