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NBA·TRANSACTION·June 24, 2026 06:17 AM ET

Knicks expected to trade No. 31 pick before second round of 2026 NBA Draft

New York keeps stockpiling future picks.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 242 min read
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What happened: The New York Knicks have already moved out of the first round, turning the No. 24 pick into five second-round selections and cash through three separate deals. Now, per ESPN's Shams Charania, they have received multiple offers of future draft assets for the No. 31 pick and intend to move it before night two begins. As of now, New York holds picks Nos. 31, 47 and 55 plus several additional second-rounders.

Why it matters: The maneuvering is built around avoiding the punitive second apron, which restricts trades, exceptions and other roster-building tools for teams that exceed it. By exiting the No. 24 slot, the front office shed roughly $3.3 million in potential cap commitments, and dealing No. 31 would keep another estimated $1.5 to $2.5 million off the books while adding future assets. For the reigning champions, preserving flexibility matters more than adding a guaranteed rookie contract.

By the numbers: The No. 24 trade returned No. 47 (via Phoenix), a 2029 second-rounder and 2033 second-rounder (via Phoenix), two future seconds (via Dallas) and cash (via the Lakers). 31, No. 47 and No. 55.

What to watch: Watch whether New York moves or keeps No. 31 once it goes on the clock, and how many of its remaining second-round picks survive to night two.

Sources

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