Jack Kayil reiterates desire to play with Knicks during 2026-27 season

German guard Jack Kayil reiterated on Saturday that he wants to play with the New York Knicks during the 2026-27 season, rather than remain in Europe for another year.Kayil was the 39th pick after averaging 12.2 points, 3.

6 assists, three rebounds and one steal while shooting 37.7% from the field last season, helping Alba Berlin to the German League title. He was named the 2026 Bundesliga Best Young Player.

While the 20-year-old said after the draft that his plan was to play with the Knicks, Ian Begley of SNY reported on June 30 that the team planned for him to stay in Germany next season. Kayil said he still wants to join the Knicks, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Kayil said his dream is to play in NBA, for Knicks but said “we’ll see what happens” when asked if he knows if he’ll join New York this year or play overseas.— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 12, 2026Kayil was highly touted entering the draft this year because of his versatility and ability to play either guard position.

He is a crafty scorer who can get into the paint and finish or pull up in the mid-range or beyond the arc, with a smooth step-back shot.The 6-foot-3 Kayil debuted in the NBA Summer League on Saturday, recording 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a 70-49 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He went 5-for-14 from the field in 21 minutes off the bench.

Kayil will have a few more opportunities to play with the Knicks during their stint in Las Vegas, which continues on Monday. From there, he and the team will need to finalize their plan for next year.This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Jack Kayil reiterates desire to play with Knicks during 2026-27 season