The Knicks were busy on draft night, but it didn't lead to drafting any actual players.
New York entered the night with the 24th overall pick, but shortly before making that selection, Leon Rose and company dealt the pick to the Lakers for their 25th pick, saving a small amount on the salary they would have to pay that draft pick. According to ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Knicks took Sergio de Larrea from Spain with at 25, but shortly after, dealt him to the Mavericks for their 30th overall pick Koa Peat and two second-round picks.
The Knicks were not done.
New York then sent Peat to the Suns for THREE second-round picks and cash, meaning the team moved out of the first round entirely to accrue five second-round picks and cash. The Knicks, as of Wednesday morning, now hold the 31st, 47th, and 55th picks in Wednesday night's second round, meaning they are currently on the clock. For now.
The expectation is that the Knicks will continue to trade back and keep as much money free as possible to retain their championship roster, as key contributors like Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet are free agents and due for a new payday. Jordan Clarkson is also a free agent, while Jose Alvarado is mulling over a player option.
Given James Dolan's suddenly hard stance against going into the second apron, every dollar counts, and Rose is operating that way, trading back as far as possible to keep as much of the $10.8 million in room before hitting the second apron open for keeping veterans from the 2025-26 squad. The stance by Dolan was seen as a surprise to many given the team's history of willingness to spend, and the fact that the team just won its first title in 53 years, but based on the owner's comments and the moves made on draft night, the motivation to avoid the second apron is very real.
In short, don't expect the Knicks to possess the same picks that they currently have entering the second round of the draft. More moves, and more cost-cutting measures, are likely coming.
It appears James Dolan's motivation to stay under the second apron is very real.
It appears James Dolan's motivation to stay under the second apron is very real.
