What Do the Knicks Need in the 2026 Draft?
New York is kind of in a wait-and-see mode. Alvarado and Robinson’s decisions will dictate what the Knicks will do the rest of the summer. But given Dolan’s feelings about not wanting to go over the second apron, it feels that Robinson won’t likely return.
Regardless of the upcoming decisions, the Knicks will need to add depth to the frontcourt and backcourt. Let’s assume Robinson walks and Alvarado and Shamet return. That should give the Knicks about $13 million of wiggle room with three spots to fill, as they don’t project to fill out all 15 spots to start the season.
With Robinson not on the squad, the Knicks will need to add a veteran backup. The Knicks could pursue Andre Drummond, Nick Richards, or maybe be able to entice Brooklyn to trade Day’Ron Sharpe — if his club option isn’t declined, which is unlikely — or New Orleans to deal Yves Missi for the No. 24 pick and a 2027 second-round pick.
Perhaps, instead of using the No. 24 pick, maybe the Knicks could package Diadet with the No. 31 pick this year as well as a 2027 selection for either Sharpe or Missi. Trading for Missi seems the most realistic trade possibility.
The Knicks have been linked to Allen Graves, Koa Peat, and Joshua Jefferson with the 24th pick. Of the three players, Jefferson makes the most sense as a plug-and-play. But he isn’t a great fit for the Knicks.
Another option for the Knicks here is trading down a couple of slots and still keeping a first-round pick, adding a future second-round selection as well.
Or trade out of the first round altogether for a high-second-round pick or two this year and a future first-round pick. San Antonio (No. 32, 42, 44), Brooklyn (No. 33, No. 43), and Sacramento (No. 34, No. 45) have multiple second-round selections this year.
Why would the Knicks trade down? By doing so, the Knicks could save cap space this year and increase their draft capital. Over the next six drafts, the Knicks only have three future first-round selections (2028, 2030, 2032) and as many as five second-round picks.
