{"id":201088,"date":"2026-06-18T21:02:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T01:02:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=201088"},"modified":"2026-06-18T21:02:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T01:02:16","slug":"knicks-need-2026-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/06\/18\/knicks-need-2026-draft\/","title":{"rendered":"Knicks Desperately Need to Reverse Recent Draft Debacles and Hit on Their 2026 Draft Picks"},"content":{"rendered":"

The shine is still illuminating brightly around the New York Knicks<\/a> and their 2026 NBA championship. And it isn’t likely to stop anytime soon. While the Knicks are enjoying their parade today, they have some important business to tend to, starting with next week’s draft.<\/p>\n

Knicks Need to Hit on Their 2026 Draft Picks<\/h2>\n

The Knicks own three draft picks<\/a> in the 2026 draft. It is the third time in the last five seasons that the Knicks have owned three or more draft picks and the fourth occasion in the last eight. However, the Knicks haven’t had much success in the draft, so they need to hit on their trio of picks.<\/p>\n

Since the 2018 draft, New York has held 17 draft picks. Mitchell Robinson<\/a>, who was the No. 36 pick in 2018, and 2024 first-round pick Pac\u00f4me Dadiet <\/span><\/a>are the only players who remain on the team. Speaking of Dadiet, he was always known as a long-term prospect, but he has only appeared in 47 games over the last two seasons as he has struggled mightily to shoot the ball. While Dadiet has shown signs of development in the G-League, the Knicks had the opportunity to draft Baylor Scheierman<\/a>, Isaiah Collier<\/a>, Ryan Dunn<\/a>, Jonathan Mogbo<\/a> or Kyle Fillipowski<\/a> instead of the 20-year-old Frenchman.<\/p>\n

Dadiet isn’t the only draft pick the Knicks have missed on over this stretch. The Knicks also missed on Trevor Keels<\/a> and Kevin Knox. More significantly, the Knicks have traded away 10 of their draft picks on draft night — Ajay Mitchell<\/a> and Kyshawn George<\/a> \u00a0— and didn’t receive anything of substance in return. On the plus side, they did flip former first-round selection RJ Barrett<\/a>, in a package deal, for OG Anunoby.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n

Why Is the Knicks’ 2026 NBA Draft Important?<\/h3>\n

New York is coming off its first NBA championship since 1973. But the Knicks have a lot of roster work to do to put themselves in a position to repeat.<\/p>\n

The Knicks have nine players under contract with a salary cap hit of $205.4 million. Jose Alvarado<\/a> has a $4.5 million option, and his decision will play a significant role in the Knicks’ plans this offseason. If Alvardo opts in, it leaves the Knicks $3.5 million below the first apron and $16.5 million under the second apron.<\/p>\n

Alvarado was a big addition at the trade deadline as the 28-year-old increased the Knicks’ depth at guard. Alvarado played an important role for the Knicks off the bench during the regular season and playoffs, taking over backup point guard duties when Miles McBride<\/a> was injured or ineffective. The 6-foot point is key to the Knicks bench as he brings defensive pressure, pace disruption, and energy.<\/p>\n

“If Alvarado opts in, the Knicks get a useful guard at a clean number and can focus their larger money decisions elsewhere,” Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports said about Alvarado’s decision<\/a>. “If he opts out, Leon Rose has another bench slot to solve while already trying to keep the title group together.”<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n

Knicks Free Agent Decisions<\/h4>\n

Mitchell Robinson<\/a> and Landry Shamet<\/a> are the Knicks’ top free agents. The problem for the Knicks is that both players are in line for a slight pay raise. Robinson is expected to garner plenty of attention this summer on the open market.<\/p>\n

Robinson made $12.9 million this past season and is projected to receive between $13 and $15 million this year as part of a multi-year deal. Meanwhile, Shamet is coming off a career season and came up big several times for the Knicks in the playoffs.\u00a0 Shamet made $2.29 million this past season and is projected to make between $3 and $4 million this upcoming campaign.<\/p>\n

If Alvardo opts in and Robinson and Shamet re-sign, it will likely put the Knicks at or over the second apron with at least two open roster spots. Jordan Clarkson<\/a> and Jeremy Sochan<\/a> are also unrestricted free agents. Meanwhile, Mo Diawara<\/a> and Ariel Hukporti<\/a> will be restricted free agents if they are offered a QO.\u00a0 The Knicks own the No. 24<\/a>, No. 31 and No. 55 picks.<\/p>\n

Don’t expect the Knicks to go over the second apron. While the Knicks could start the season over the second apron, it would not be ideal as it would limit their ability to make moves during the season. Also, the owner, James Dolan, wants them to avoid that realm.<\/p>\n

“There’s certain things in the NBA that you’d have to be suicidal to do,” Dolan said on the CartonShow on WFAN yesterday<\/a>. “One of them is the second apron. Cannot go into the second apron. I’ll write as big a check as possible, but I can’t write a check that goes into the second apron.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

“There’s certain things in the NBA that you’d have to be suicidal to do. One of them is the second apron. Cannot go into the second apron. I’ll write as big of a check as possible, but I can’t write a check that goes into the second apron.”<\/p>\n

– James Dolan on @CartonShowWFAN<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/KJFIccCnMf<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n