The speculation that former Tar Heel Tyler Nickel was heading back to the collegiate level can now officially be put to rest.
After being selected by the Phoenix Suns with the No. 47th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Nickel's rights were traded to the defending NBA Champion New York Knicks. Nickel competed in NBA Summer League action with the franchise, but never officially signed a deal with them, keeping the option open to return for a fifth season at the college ranks.
As enticing as returning to college (with likely a rather significant NIL pay day attached), Nickel has decided it's time to officially take his talents to the pros.
Tyler Nickel signs a two-way deal with the New York Knicks
Ahead of training camp, the Knicks announced that Nickel has agreed to a two-way contract with the franchise. This deal will allow him to spend time with both the NBA club and the organization's G League afflliate throughout the 2026-2027 season.
.@nyknicks Sign Tyler Nickel to a Two-Way Contract pic.twitter.com/gDbxe6rzpM
— NY Knicks PR (@NY_KnicksPR) September 27, 2026
Nickel was sparingly utilized by Hubert Davis during his lone season in Chapel Hill, but continued to improve upon his game to earn bigger roles at his other two stops. After one year at Virginia Tech, Nickel, a Harrisonburg, Virginia native, transferred to Vanderbilt and thrived, becoming a full-time starter while averaging double-figures in both seasons.
When he was recruited to UNC, we heard a lot about his shooting ability. Unfortunately, he couldn't showcase it in Chapel Hill, but his 40% three-point shooting percentage over his final three seasons at the college level proved he was elite at his craft.
If Nickel gets hot, he's tough to slow down. He showed that when he drained eight three-pointers against Central Arkansas, and again let it fly from beyond the arc when he connected on six three-pointers in 22 minutes off the bench against the Brooklyn Nets during summer league competition.
Sure, Nickel isn't one of those guys that you claim as a Tar Heel-developed prospect. In fact, all this shows is that Hubert Davis' inability to rely on his bench (especially early in his tenure as UNC's head coach) cost the program a quality wing who could've been a huge offensive spark for the Tar Heels.
However, we can talk about the "what ifs" for days, but the main thing is this: Tyler Nickel found a spot where he can take his game to the next level, and now has a chance to fulfill his dream of playing on the sport's biggest stage.
This could be a sneaky good addition for the New York Knicks organization. Given his ability to shoot the basketball, he could end up playing a role for this year's team, especially if he can capitalize on open looks. Additionally, after a long playoff run, the Knicks likely will be looking to not heavily rely on their stars as much as they had to a season ago, opening up opportunities for Nickel to get some playing time.
If he shoots the basketball the way he's capable of, that two-way contract could quickly turn into a standard deal with the franchise.
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