The New York Knicks own the 24th and 25th picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, but it doesn’t appear they will make both picks next week.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy WooRival teams don’t “expect” the Knicks to keep both picks.
Givony reports that the Knicks could trade one of the picks for a future first-round pick, which could help their trade flexibility.
The Knicks also own a second-round pick, the 38th overall pick.
There have already been some rumors that the Knicks are exploring trades with their picks. Not only are the Knicks reportedly looking to trade for a star player this offseason, but as currently constructed, the team is deep and doesn’t project to be much use for multiple rookies on the roster.
With the Knicks also hoping to re-sign free agents OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein to new contracts, while possibly picking up the option on Bojan Bogdanovic, the team must be careful about touching the first apron, which is punitive under the new deal NBA collective. . Although the 24th and 25th picks in this year’s draft would only have first-year salaries of just over $2 million, every dollar counts.
In “The HoopsHype Podcast with Michael Scotto” SNY’s Ian Begley predicted the Knicks will make at least one or two of their three draft picks.
If the Knicks keep their picks, they’ve actually had success in recent years finding impact players late in the first round.
The Knicks have been linked to Virginia forward Ryan Dunn, considered the best defender in the draft. ESPN’s latest tease had the Knicks selecting Dunn with the 25th pick.
In some mock drafts, the Knicks also selected Purdue big man Zach Edey. It’s possible Edey arrives much sooner than where the Knicks draft.
Knicks president Leon Rose has been active in making deals on draft night since taking over the team, and this current draft is shaping up to be another busy night for the Knicks.
