A few notes on the Knicks’ trades in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft…
As noted earlier Tuesday, the Knicks are operating as a team that will not exceed the second apron in team salary this season.
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That, presumably, was a factor in how New York approached the first round of the NBA Draft.
They entered Tuesday with the No. 24 pick. At the end of the night, after three trades, New York ended up with five second-round picks and cash considerations.
They also ended the night with $3.4 million in financial flexibility. If the Knicks selected a player at No. 24, they would have owed that player $3.4 million in 2026-27.
Every dollar counts for the world champs as they navigate the second round of the draft and free agency on a tight budget.
Entering the second round of the draft on Wednesday, the Knicks have roughly $211 million in committed salary to 11 players. That means they have about $10.8 million in room before they hit the second apron.
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Given that, it will be nearly impossible for them to re-sign both Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet as things currently stand. They would need to shed significant team salary to make a competitive offer to either player.
Both players figure to have aggressive suitors in free agency.
The Lakers are in the market for a center.
As noted Tuesday, they were among a group of teams to contact New Orleans about potential Yves Missi trades. New Orleans obviously didn’t like Los Angeles’ offers ahead of the draft. If the Lakers miss out on targets like Missi, logic says they will be interested in Robinson when he hits free agency.
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If Robinson leaves the Knicks, they would either need to convince a veteran free agent to take less money in signing with them or they would need to acquire a center via the trade market.
The same is true for Shamet. If they lose the sharp-shooting reserve, they would need to get creative to replace him.
In addition to Robinson and Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Jeremy Sochan, Ariel Hukporti (restricted), Kevin McCullar Jr. (restricted) and Trey Jemison (restricted) are free agents. Bench favorite Jose Alvarado has a player option. He agreed to push the decision date on the player option to after the draft. This probably gives the Knicks flexibility as they navigate the draft and the second apron. It would be a surprise if the Knicks and Alvarado didn’t come to an agreement if he declines the option.
As far as the second round, the Knicks have three picks on Wednesday (No. 31, No. 47 and No. 55). The other four second-rounders they acquired on Tuesday will be in future drafts.
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ESPN reported that the Knicks are likely to trade out of the No. 31 spot.
What about those later picks? St. John’s Dillon Mitchell has supporters within the organization. But drafting Mitchell – or any second-rounder – would cost the Knicks in team salary for 2026-27.
This is where the second apron factors in. Do the Knicks spend team salary on a rookie or save it for a veteran who can help them right away?
Just my opinion: it’s surprising to see a team that has never been shy about spending money operate with financial restraint right after they win the NBA title. Maybe owner James Dolan ultimately changes course on second-apron restraints. In doing so, he’d give New York an easier path to retain its free agents. If not, Leon Rose and his group will have to get creative over the next two weeks to fill out the 2026-27 roster.
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