Basketball – NBA – New York Knicks Parade – New York City, New York, U.S. – June 18, 2026 New York Knicks President Leon Rose gives a speech at New York City Hall during the parade REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Knicks fans, you can finally rest — after 53 years, championship basketball was delivered to New York. The Knicks secured their third NBA title thanks to their dominant 16-3 run throughout the playoffs, proving their starting lineup was capable of overcoming any challenge.
However, there are many questions the Knicks must answer before the 2026-27 season, especially if they want a chance to repeat as NBA champions.
The first step to doing so was the NBA Draft, where they held the No. 24 pick and had a chance to replenish their bench depth. Both Landry Shamet and Mitchell Robinson are pending free agents, and neither is likely to return due to their expensive contracts and James Dolan’s reluctance to enter the second apron.
However, in a stunning turn of events, the Knicks turned the No. 24 pick into five second-round picks and cash considerations. The deal began when they were on the clock, turning the No. 24 pick into the No. 25 pick and cash considerations from the Lakers, who selected their top option, Cam Carr. With the 25th pick, the Knicks selected Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea, but right as the first round ended, the Knicks dealt him to the Mavericks for Koa Peat’s draft rights and two second-rounders.
The deal still wasn’t done — the Knicks completed the night by trading Peat to the Suns for three more second-rounders, bringing their total to five, all stemming from the 24th pick. The Knicks restock their future draft capital, potentially using the picks in veteran trades down the line.
The Knicks’ decision to make these moves comes as part of a full navigation to clear the second apron, while giving them potential room to bring back pending free agents. New York will now save $2.5 million in immediate salary obligations after moving out of the first round, giving them crucial breathing room to potentially bring back Robinson and Jose Alvarado.
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