With the Dallas Mavericks officially clinching a playoff spot on Tuesday night, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports that they and the New York Knicks can finally close the book on a 2019 trade. As a result, the Knicks will add a 2024 first-round draft pick to their draft assets.
The final conditions from the Jan. 31, 2019 Kristaps Porzingis trade from New York to Dallas has been met.
With the Mavericks clinching a spot in the playoffs, their 2024 first will now be sent to New York.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) April 10, 2024
Now the question becomes, what should the Knicks do with their new asset?
New York Knicks Add Late 2024 First-Rounder, What Should They Do With It?
Halfway through the 2019-2020 season, the Knicks and Mavericks worked out a blockbuster trade that sent Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr. Trey Burke, and Courtney Lee to Dallas. The Knicks received Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and two future first-round selections — a 2021 first-round selection and a 2023 top-10 protected first-rounder.
With the Mavericks 2021 first-rounder, New York selected Tennesee’s guard Keon Johnson at No. 21. The Knicks quickly sent the rights to Johnson to the Los Angeles Clippers for Quentin Grimes. Now, the approximate value of the Mavs second first-round selection is known.
Knicks Future Assets
New York was really close to acquiring the Mavericks’ first-round selection last year, but Dallas lost its last two games to secure at least the No. 10 overall pick. Instead of receiving a late lottery pick, the Knicks will receive the 25th selection—though that is not etched in stone yet.
Had Dallas’ pick not been conveyed this year, the Knicks would have received a 2025 second-round selection.
The Knicks will have two first-round selections this year instead of the four potential picks. Detroit (top-18 protected) and Washington (top-12 protected) will keep their selections this year. Both of the Knicks’ first-rounders figure to be in their 20s, though their own could fall into the high teens.
While New York won’t have their own 2024 second-round pick (traded to the Pistons), they will receive Utah’s selection.
As a result of these picks conveying or not conveying, New York will have at least two first-round selections in 2025 and as many as four. The Knicks own their own 2025 selection and will get Milwaukee’s (top-4 protected) top pick. The Knicks also could receive the Pistons (top 13 protected) and Wizards (top 10 protected). They also own Brooklyn’s 2025 second-rounder.
New York also owns their own first-round selections from 2026-2031.
What To Do With The Picks?
New York believes it has something special brewing. The Knicks have put together their best back-to-back seasons since the early 2010s, posting 47 victories in each of the last two seasons.
Still, the Knicks are probably a year away from being contenders. The Knicks will likely look for a star big man to complement Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. Brunson has turned into a bona fide star this year as he has had to carry the team due to injuries, and Anunoby is one of the best two-way players in the league.
New York has 11 players under contract for next season, with the salaries totaling $149 million. The Knicks top priority this summer is to work out a deal for Anunoby, who will inevitably opt out of his player option this summer.
New York does have a little flexibility as only $2 million of Bojan Bogdanovic’s $19 million is guaranteed.
The Knicks’ biggest goal this summer is to improve their frontcourt. They need a starting center who can score while improving their depth, particularly in rim protection. Isaiah Hartenstein and Precious Achiuwa (restricted) are free agents.
The Knicks also could use some wing depth, particularly if Bogdanovic and Alec Burks (free agent) are not on the roster.
Who Could Knicks Select In 2024
Based on several mocks, New York’s top draft prospects include 6-11 forward Tyler Smith, and 6-10 forward Bobbi Klintman. Zach Eady, Collin Murray Boyles, Kevin McCullar Jr, Tidjane Salaun, Hunter Sallis, and Ryan Dunn have also been mentioned as possible first-round selections for the Knicks. Baylor Scheierman and Jamal Shead were mentioned as possible second-round selections.
Eady, McCullar, and Dunn are intriguing potential first-round picks for the Knicks. Scheierman would be an interesting second-round pick.
Given that the 2024 draft is considered very weak, the Knicks probably would be better served to package at least one of this year’s first-round selections to get the big man they desperately need. With the draft assets the Knicks hold, they wouldn’t have to trade both first-rounders this year. However, the Knicks shouldn’t rule that out, or they could trade up and use the pick in a trade.
A few first-rounders, Bogdanovic and/or Randle or Mitchell Robinson, should be able to net New York the center they desire. That is if the other team is willing to deal their big man—i.e., Karl-Anthony Towns or Joel Embiid.
New York also has Miles McBride and Donte DiVincenzo if they need to include them in a trade.
