New York Knicks second-round draft pick Jack Kayil has opted to return to Europe for at least the 2026-27 season. In the process, the Knicks have one less guard on the roster for Tyler Kolek to compete with for playing time. With Kayil staying overseas, however, Kolek has one less player to compete with for minutes. With a team option for the 2027-28 season, however, Kolek is running out of time to prove that he's worth investing in as a part of that future. Considering Kolek's $2,486,995 salary is non-guaranteed for the 2027-28 campaign, the Knicks could conceivably decline his option to create wiggle room—perhaps even to bring Kayil over.