Jack Kayil to Knicks After Rockets Trade, Watch Highlights of No. 39 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft

German guard Jack Kayil was selected with the No. 39 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft on Wednesday, heading to the New York Knicks after a trade with the Houston Rockets.

Kayil most recently played for ALBA Berlin in Germany and was initially committed to Gonzaga before declaring for the 2026 draft.

Here's a look at Kayil's highlights with ALBA Berlin.

The Knicks also selected Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel in the second round of the draft, adding him with the No. 47 overall choice.

New York also held the No. 53 pick, as Virginia center Ugonna Onyenso was selected before he was traded to the Detroit Pistons (via Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68).

As for Kayil, he averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 40.0 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three-point territory throughout his latest season with ALBA Berlin.

In 18 appearances as a member of KK Mega Basket in the ABA League during the 2024-25 season, Kayil recorded 7.7 points and 2.8 assists to go along with 1.4 steals per game on 39.8/35.4/88.2 shooting splits.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman compared Kayil to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace in his scouting report.

"Jack Kayil could resemble Cason Wallace, who can play and defend both backcourt positions," Wasserman wrote. "Neither are going to blow opponents away with speed or athleticism. They're well-rounded combos who can play on and off the ball with three-point range, three-level shot-making and solid defense."

Meanwhile, Nickel showcased his long-range accuracy throughout his senior season at Vanderbilt.

He averaged 13.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting 40.0 percent from behind the arc while attempting 7.6 triples on a nightly basis.

As the Knicks enter the 2026-27 season looking to defend their championship, Kayil and Nickel could establish themselves as depth pieces.