The New York Knicks entered the 2026 NBA Draft with a first-round selection (No. 24 overall), but in a move we could see coming from the West Coast, they quickly shifted direction, moving out of the opening round through a series of trades that landed the franchise plenty of goodies.
The Leon Rose-led front office executed three separate deals, ultimately turning the No. 24 pick into five second-round selections and cash considerations while avoiding adding a guaranteed rookie contract.
Per NBA.com,
the Knicks basically completed a one-for-five trade and got a bit of dough in exchange for their No. 24 selection:
- No. 47 overall (via Phoenix)
- 2029 Second Round pick (via Phoenix)
- 2033 Second Round pick (via Phoenix)
- 2 future Second Round picks (via Dallas)
- Cash considerations (via L.A. Lakers)
And judging by the reports emerging shortly after the first night of the draft was in the books, the Knicks’ approach to moving down the board is far from over.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks are already drawing interest for their next selection as they prepare to go on the clock at No. 31, and New York already has “offers” (in plural) on the table.
“The champion Knicks are now on the clock — and, per sources, they have already received offers of future draft assets for No. 31 and intend to move the pick prior to the start of night two of the Draft.” — ESPN’s Shams Charania.
As things stand, although likely not for long, the Knicks would enter the second round holding picks No. 31, No. 47 and No. 55, along with multiple additional second-rounders acquired in trades completed on Tuesday.
The expectation, based on Charania’s reporting, is that the Knicks will keep prioritizing financial flexibility to avoid the James Dolan-feared second apron, thus moving further down or entirely out of the current draft in exchange for future assets.
The Knicks are operating close to the NBA’s second apron threshold, where exceeding it would restrict roster-building tools, including trades and exceptions.
By moving out of the first round and the No. 24 pick, New York already removed $3,325,000 potential million from their cap. Dealing the No. 31 pick, although it doesn’t come with a guaranteed or set-in-stone salary, would likely keep another $1.5-to-$2.5 million away from the books. Not only is that great, but by doing so, the Knicks are also stockpiling future assets.
Win-win!
