Knicks draft pick Tyler Kolek’s contract sets NBA record for most guaranteed money for second-round selection

After signing first-round pick Pacome Dadiet earlier in the week, the Knicks have now signed second-round pick Tyler Kolek — making history in the process.

As reported by SNY’s Ian Begley on Friday night, Kolek’s contract with New York sets an NBA record for the most guaranteed money for a second-round selection as the rookie will make $6.6 million guaranteed.

The deal is the most a team can pay a second-rounder under the second-round exception which keeps a pick’s salary away from the 2024-25 cap until July 31, helping to give the Knicks more financial flexibility as they try and avoid the first apron.

The previous record in guaranteed money for a second-round pick was Indiana Pacers‘ Andrew Nembhard (No. 31 overall in 2022 draft) at $6.4 million.