Knicks Wrap Up Day 1 of NBA Draft With Multiple Trades
The NBA Draft was quickly overshadowed for New York Knicks fans as the team was able to re-sign OG Anunoby to a long-term deal a day after trading for Mikal Bridges. The Knicks entered the night holding the 24th and 25th overall picks as the former came from the Kristaps Porzingis trade while the latter was the Knicks' own pick.
The Knicks started things off by trading back from the 24th pick with the Wizards, acquiring the 26th overall pick and the 51st overall pick in the process. This has become a yearly tradition as of late as Leon Rose navigates the NBA Draft acquiring more draft capital each year. Chatter immediately started that the Knicks were exploring trading the No. 26 pick.
The trade with the Wizards wasn't just to gain an extra pick but to save $200,000 which will certainly help as the Knicks are approaching the second apron of the luxury tax.
The Knicks then used their first-round pick at No. 25, taking French small forward Pacome Dadiet. The French wing is 6-foot-8 and 217 pounds at just 18 years old. At the NBA level, Dadiet will need to become a scorer as he scored just 6.6 points per game. The Knicks have lived through this story before when they took Frank Ntilikina and fans will need to hope that Dadiet develops much better than Ntilikina. There's also a chance the Knicks stash Dadiet, allowing him to develop overseas while saving additional money.
Pacome Dadiet says his Knicks workout "went pretty well" and he knew there was interest
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) June 27, 2024
"I'm very excited to start working. I can't wait." pic.twitter.com/taUTISGHLI
The Knicks then traded the No.26 pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder, getting five second-round picks in return from 2025 through 2027. The team saved $3 million tonight with their trades, which could be the difference in retaining Isaiah Hartenstein.
Now the Knicks hold the 38th and the 51st overall picks in the second round of the NBA Draft. They will certainly look at drafting a big man as the team may lose Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency while also reportedly exploring trading Mitchell Robinson. The second night of the draft may bring some trades as the Knicks could look to fill out this roster with cheaper players on second-round contracts or trade out of the day altogether.
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