What happened: The New York Knicks were active in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, completing a trade as selections came off the board. New York acquired the draft rights to guard Sergio De Larrea in a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers connected to the No. 25 pick. A St. John's product was also among the names selected in the opening round.

Why it matters: Draft-night trades let the Knicks add to their pipeline without disturbing the core they have built. Securing a young guard's rights gives New York a developmental asset it can bring along or stash overseas while managing its books heading into the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Watch whether De Larrea slots onto the roster or stays a draft-and-stash option, and how the swap shapes New York's remaining offseason flexibility.