The New York Knicks have stashed a hefty amount of first-round picks in recent years, setting themselves with the ammo to trade for the NBA’s next available star. However, with a notoriously weak draft class in 2024, this may be the year the Knicks finally trade some of their picks and go star-hunting.
NBA Insider confirms that the Knicks are aiming to trade its first-round picks in this year’s draft
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports recently appeared on the Bad Weather Fans podcast, where he confirmed that the Knicks, who have the No. 24 and No. 25 picks in the 2024 NBA draft, are looking to trade those picks.
“Definitely word around the league that they’re looking to move those,” said Fischer.
Knicks hold hefty amount of first-round picks
The Knicks have notably been very fickle about trading first-round picks. They currently own 11 first-round picks until 2030 and have made many key acquisitions without giving up any of them.
This past season, the Knicks acquired OG Anunoby, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Alec Burks without giving up a single first-round pick. The year prior, they acquired Josh Hart by giving back just one first-round pick. Knicks President Leon Rose has been notorious for being patient, and getting the best bang for his buck on the trade market.
This year’s weak draft class could alter the Knicks’ plans
However, Fischer believes that due to the stature of this year’s draft class, moving this year’s picks may prove a difficult task.
“There’s no Victor Wembanyama in this class. There’s no Zion Williamson in this class. There’s no Cooper Flagg, and Cam Boozer, and upcoming things,” said Fischer. “There’s just a lot of expectation, and excitement, about at least the next two year draft classes, let alone what could be a 2028 pick.”
The Knicks will continue to survey their options ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft. If New York keeps all of its picks, they will pick at No. 24 and No. 25 in the first round, and again at No. 38 in the second round.