The New York Knicks are rolling again. After a rough stretch that saw them drop nine of eleven, they’ve now rattled off six straight wins, capped by a 112-100 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. And while Jalen Brunson continues to be the engine of the offense, it’s second-year guard Tyler Kolek who’s quietly carving out a reputation as a guy who shows up when the lights shine brightest.
Kolek keeps answering the call in marquee matchups
Kolek only logged 14 minutes in the win over the Lakers, but he made them count. He finished with eight points on 3-of-10 shooting, added two boards, and dished out four assists. The shooting line wasn’t pretty, but his two made threes-on six attempts-came at critical moments, helping the Knicks hold off a Lakers squad led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
This wasn’t a one-off. Kolek has been trending upward in the Knicks’ most high-profile games all season.
Take the NBA Cup Championship against San Antonio, for example-he dropped 14 points, grabbed five rebounds, and handed out five assists. The league may not count those stats in the official books, but anyone watching that game knows how impactful he was, especially with two timely threes that helped seal the title.
Then there was Christmas Day against the Cavaliers. In just eight second-quarter minutes, Kolek racked up seven assists-part of a nine-assist night in just 25 minutes.
He also went 4-of-5 from deep, stretching the floor and keeping Cleveland’s defense honest. The Knicks won that one too.
So far, New York is 3-0 in games where Kolek has delivered in big moments. And with the trade deadline looming on Thursday, the timing of his emergence couldn’t be more interesting.
Trade deadline looming, but Kolek’s stock is rising
Kolek’s name has been floating around in trade rumors since the offseason, largely due to a potential roster crunch following Malcolm Brogdon’s unexpected retirement. But with the way Kolek has stepped up in key games, it’s getting harder to imagine the Knicks parting ways with him-unless it’s part of a deal that clearly moves the needle.
The 23-year-old guard is under contract through next season, with a team option for 2027-28 that’s reportedly just under $2.5 million. In today’s NBA, where the second apron looms large over roster construction, deals like that are gold. He might not bring the same defensive punch as Deuce McBride, but when it comes to value per dollar, Kolek is right there with him.
And that matters-especially for a Knicks team that could be staring down the second apron next season. Mitchell Robinson’s contract expires this summer, and his impact on both ends has been undeniable during this win streak. Letting him walk would be a tough sell for a team with championship aspirations.
Kolek’s value goes beyond the box score
The Knicks don’t need Kolek to be a star. They need him to be exactly what he’s becoming: a smart, tough, reliable contributor who doesn’t flinch when the pressure’s on. That’s not easy to find, especially on a contract that friendly.
Unless he’s the final piece in a deal that brings back a high-level rotation player-someone like Naji Marshall from Dallas-it’s hard to see the Knicks moving him at the deadline.
For now, Kolek’s proving he belongs. And if he keeps delivering in the moments that matter most, the Knicks might realize they already have one of the most valuable role players in the league right in their own locker room.