New York Adds McCullar and Nickel on Two-Way Contracts
The Knicks announced two-way deals for Kevin McCullar Jr. and Tyler Nickel. McCullar, 25, has spent the past two seasons with New York on two-way contracts after being taken 56th overall in 2024, and he appeared in 21 games last season while also playing in the G League. Nickel, 23, was selected 47th overall in 2026 out of Vanderbilt and chose to begin his NBA career rather than pursue a possible fifth college season, leaving New York with one open two-way spot.
New York formalized two-way agreements with McCullar and Nickel. McCullar, a 6-foot-6 wing, has been on two-way deals with the Knicks for two seasons since being drafted 56th in 2024. Last season he played 21 NBA games, averaging 2.4 points in 7.4 minutes, and also logged 14 G League contests with Westchester.
Nickel, 23, was the 47th pick in 2026 after starting all 36 games at Vanderbilt, where he averaged 13.5 points and shot 40% from three on high volume. He considered a fifth college year under an August eligibility ruling but chose to begin his NBA career. New York now has one two-way slot open.
This move may matter most to Knicks fans and fringe NBA players. Two-way slots give McCullar and Nickel a path to develop in the G League while remaining eligible for NBA minutes, which could affect roster depth and local fan interest. It may also shape how late second-round picks weigh immediate professional opportunities against college NIL options, though the impact on broader society is likely limited to sports labor and fan communities.