The New York Knicks’ 25th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft signed one of the most unique rookie contracts in recent memory.
At just 20 years old, Pacome Dadiet secured a four-year deal worth $13,012,968, though structured at 80% of the standard rookie scale to help the Knicks navigate salary cap constraints.
This French forward brought international experience from Germany’s Bundesliga and France’s top league, positioning himself as a developmental prospect with significant upside for one of basketball’s most storied franchises.
His journey from Aubagne, France, to Madison Square Garden represents the modern NBA’s global reach and the potential financial rewards for young international talent.
Pacome Dadiet’s Biography
| Full Name | Pacome Djenon Dadiet |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 27, 2005 |
| Age | 20 years (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | French (Ivorian descent) |
| Height / Weight | 6’8″ (2.03 m) / 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current NBA Team | New York Knicks |
| NBA Draft | 2024 / Pick 25 (Round 1) |
| Years Active | 2021 – Present |
| Net Worth | $2-3 million (estimated) |
| 2025-26 Salary | $2.373 million |
| Jersey Number | 4 |
| Agent | Yann Balikouzou |
Early Life & Basketball Journey
Pacome Dadiet was born in Aubagne, a commune in southern France’s Bouches-du-Rhône department, on July 27, 2005.
Growing up in France with Ivorian heritage, he developed his basketball skills alongside his older brother Maxence, who also became a professional player.
His early exposure to competitive basketball came through France’s youth national team programs, where he represented his country at multiple FIBA tournaments.
At age 16, Dadiet competed in the 2021 FIBA U16 European Challengers, appearing in five games while averaging six points and 1.4 rebounds.
His development accelerated the following year when he helped France capture bronze at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, showcasing the defensive versatility and raw offensive tools that would later attract NBA scouts.
Before entering the NBA, Dadiet played professionally for Paris Basketball in France’s top domestic league.
He then moved to Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s Bundesliga for the 2023-24 season, gaining valuable experience against seasoned European competition.
This international background prepared him for the physical and tactical demands of professional basketball at the highest level.
NBA Career
The New York Knicks selected Dadiet with the 25th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
To bring him over from Germany immediately, the Knicks paid an $850,000 buyout to Ratiopharm Ulm, releasing him from his European contract.
This move demonstrated the organization’s commitment to developing the young forward within their system rather than leaving him overseas.
Dadiet made his NBA debut on October 22, 2024, in a 132-109 loss to the Boston Celtics, scoring 3 points in limited minutes.
During his rookie 2024-25 season, he appeared in 18 games, averaging 1.7 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game while shooting 32.3% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range.
He spent significant developmental time with the Westchester Knicks, New York’s G League affiliate, where he could receive more playing time and coaching attention.
The 2025-26 season has seen Dadiet continue his gradual NBA integration, appearing in 29 games through May 2026 while maintaining similar per-game averages.
He contributed to the Knicks’ 2025 NBA Cup championship run and also won an NBA G League Winter Showcase title in 2024.
The Knicks exercised their team option for the 2026-27 season at $2.98 million, signaling their continued investment in his long-term development.
Pacome Dadiet’s Net Worth Details
As of May 2026, Pacome Dadiet has an estimated net worth between $2-3 million.
He built this wealth primarily through his NBA rookie contract with the New York Knicks, which guaranteed significant earnings over four years despite being structured below the standard rookie scale.
Contract
Pacome Dadiet signed a four-year rookie contract with the New York Knicks on July 3, 2024, worth a total of $13,012,968.
The contract was structured at 80% of the standard rookie scale for the first year, an unusual arrangement that saved the Knicks $904,000 under the 2024-25 hard cap.
From the second through fourth years, the contract increases to 120% of the rookie scale, providing significant salary growth as he develops.
The deal includes $474,600 in likely incentives for the 2025-26 season, with no unlikely incentives included in the structure.
The Knicks hold team options for the third and fourth years of the contract, standard practice for first-round picks.
New York has already exercised the 2026-27 option at $2.98 million, and the final 2027-28 option is valued at $5.37 million if exercised.
His cap hit ranges from $1,808,080 in the first year to a potential $5,373,608 in the fourth year.
Upon completion of the fourth year, Dadiet would become a restricted free agent if the Knicks extend a qualifying offer, giving New York the right to match any competing offers.
Salary
Pacome Dadiet’s current annual salary for the 2025-26 season is $2,373,000. His cap hit for this season stands at $2,847,600 when accounting for likely incentives.
This represents his second year in the NBA after earning approximately $1.8 million in his 2024-25 rookie campaign.
His salary progression shows significant growth potential through the life of his rookie contract.
The 2026-27 season will pay him $2.98 million, representing a 25.5% increase from his current salary. If the Knicks exercise their fourth-year option for 2027-28, his salary would jump to $5.37 million, nearly doubling his second-year earnings.
Among 2024 first-round draft picks, Dadiet’s reduced first-year salary made him one of the lower-paid selections despite being chosen 25th overall.
However, the escalating structure of years two through four brings his total contract value in line with typical 25th pick compensation according to NBA rookie scale standards.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Team | Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | New York Knicks | $1,808,080 | Rookie season (80% scale) |
| 2025-26 | New York Knicks | $2,373,000 | Includes $474,600 incentives |
| 2026-27 | New York Knicks | $2,980,000 | Team option exercised |
| 2027-28 | New York Knicks | $5,370,000 | Team option (if exercised) |
| Total | $12,531,080 | Through 2027-28 if all options exercised |
Endorsements & Sponsorships
Pacome Dadiet has a sponsorship agreement with Nike, the world’s leading athletic footwear and apparel brand.
This partnership provides him with basketball shoes, training gear, and performance apparel throughout his NBA career.
Nike maintains relationships with the majority of NBA players and frequently signs promising international prospects early in their professional careers.
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | New York | 18 | 0 | 6.2 | 32.3 | 31.6 | 66.7 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 1.7 |
| 2025-26 | New York | 29 | 0 | 4.7 | 33.3 | 21.9 | 81.8 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 1.7 |
| Career | 47 | 0 | 5.3 | 32.0 | 25.5 | 76.5 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 1.7 |
FAQs
What is Pacome Dadiet’s current NBA salary?
Pacome Dadiet earns $2,373,000 for the 2025-26 season with the New York Knicks, including $474,600 in likely performance incentives.
How much is Pacome Dadiet’s total rookie contract worth?
His four-year rookie contract with the Knicks is worth $13,012,968 total, though structured at 80% of the standard scale initially.
Does Pacome Dadiet have any endorsement deals?
He has a sponsorship agreement with Nike for athletic footwear and apparel, but no other verified endorsements have been publicly reported.
When was Pacome Dadiet drafted to the NBA?
The New York Knicks selected him with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
What is Pacome Dadiet’s nationality and background?
He is French, born in Aubagne, France on July 27, 2005, and is of Ivorian descent through his family heritage.
