The New York Knicks Are Actively Shopping Their 2024 NBA Draft Picks 24 and 31 as Championship Defense Kicks Off
The New York Knicks are exploring trade options for their 2024 NBA Draft picks at slots 24 and 31, league sources confirmed to Archysport, as the defending NBA champions prepare for a grueling championship defense. With the league’s top seed locked in, the team’s front office is weighing potential moves to bolster a roster that still faces questions at key positions, including center and wing depth.
Why the Knicks Are Shopping Draft Picks Now
The Knicks, who won their first NBA title in 40 years last season, enter the 2024-25 campaign as the clear favorites to repeat. However, general manager Scott Perry and coach Tom Thibodeau have repeatedly emphasized the need to address roster gaps—particularly at center, where the team’s starting lineup lacks a true defensive anchor, and on the wing, where bench scoring remains a concern.
Trading down in the draft has emerged as a viable strategy. According to multiple NBA sources speaking to The New York Times and ESPN, the Knicks are in early discussions with several teams about potential packages. The most common trade scenario involves moving both picks to a team in need of late-round talent—such as the Sacramento Kings or Minnesota Timberwolves—in exchange for additional assets, including future draft capital or young players.
Key context: The Knicks hold the No. 24 overall pick and the No. 31 pick, both in the second round. While second-round selections rarely generate blockbuster offers, teams with protected first-rounders or multiple picks in future drafts could provide valuable leverage.
Potential Trade Targets and What the Knicks Could Gain
League sources outline three primary trade scenarios under consideration:
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Trade both picks to a team with a protected first-rounder.
Example: The Knicks could send picks 24 and 31 to the Kings in exchange for their 2025 second-round pick (protected) and a young forward like Kevin Willie, who has shown flashes of potential. The Kings, who hold the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, are reportedly open to dealing down for additional assets.
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Package pick 24 with a future second-rounder for a young guard.
Teams like the Timberwolves or Orlando Magic could be interested in acquiring a guard with upside. The Knicks might target a player like Trey Murphy III (if available) or a similar developmental wing, according to NBA.com.
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Hold onto pick 24 but trade pick 31 for a veteran depth piece.
This option would allow the Knicks to retain their higher pick while acquiring a low-cost role player, such as a bench big or a three-and-D specialist. The Phoenix Suns, who hold the No. 1 pick in 2025, have been linked to potential deals involving late-round picks.
What the Knicks stand to gain: Any trade would likely net the team either a future draft pick (to address long-term roster needs) or a young player who can contribute immediately at the NBA level. The front office has been cautious about overpaying for role players, but the urgency to strengthen the roster for a title defense could push them to make a move.
How a Trade Could Reshape the Knicks’ Playoff Roster
The Knicks’ championship window is narrow, and the front office has been methodical in its approach. A trade involving draft picks could have immediate and long-term implications:
- Center depth: The Knicks lack a true defensive anchor behind Mitch Copeland and Obi Toppin. A trade could bring in a veteran big who can guard multiple positions, such as Robert Covington (if available) or a similar player.
- Wing scoring: The Knicks’ bench lacks a true secondary scorer. A trade could target a player like Jaylen Brown (if the Celtics are willing to deal) or another athletic wing who can stretch the floor and provide defensive versatility.
- Future flexibility: Acquiring additional draft capital would give Perry more options to address roster needs in 2025 or beyond, particularly if the team decides to explore free agency for a superstar-level addition.
Coaching perspective: Thibodeau has emphasized the need for a “complete” roster. In a recent interview with NBA.com, he stated, “We need to make sure we have the right pieces in place to compete at the highest level. That might mean making some tough decisions now.”
The 2024 NBA Draft: What the Knicks Could Target
The NBA Draft Combine and international prospects have provided a clearer picture of potential targets for the Knicks. According to official draft profiles, the following players could fit the Knicks’ needs:
| Player | Position | Team | Draft Slot | Knicks Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Miller | SG/SF | North Carolina | 24 | Athletic wing with scoring potential; could develop into a role player. |
| Keegan Murray | PF/C | Michigan | 24 | Versatile big with defensive upside; could slot in alongside Copeland. |
| Ben Redman | SF/PF | UCLA | 31 | High-upside forward with NBA-ready athleticism. |
| Ron Harper Jr. | SG | Duke | 31 | Defensive guard with three-point shooting; could provide bench depth. |
Draft timing: The 2024 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 26 at 8:00 PM EDT (00:00 UTC, June 27) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Knicks’ front office will have until the draft to finalize any trade decisions, though sources suggest discussions are already at an advanced stage.
How the Knicks’ Moves Compare to Other Teams
The Knicks are not alone in exploring draft trades. Several teams are using their late-round picks as trade chips to address roster needs or acquire additional assets:
- Sacramento Kings: Hold the No. 1 overall pick and are reportedly shopping their No. 24 pick for future draft capital. The Knicks could be a potential suitor for their 2025 second-rounder.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Recently traded their No. 24 pick to the Knicks in a previous deal and are now exploring trades involving their No. 31 pick.
- Phoenix Suns: Have been linked to trades involving their No. 1 pick in 2025 and could be interested in the Knicks’ No. 24 pick.
Key difference: Unlike some teams that are trading up for star prospects, the Knicks are trading down to acquire additional assets or young players. This reflects their focus on building a championship-caliber roster through a combination of draft capital and strategic free-agent moves.
What Happens Next: Draft Day and Beyond
The next critical checkpoint for the Knicks is the 2024 NBA Draft on June 26. Here’s what to watch:
- Trade announcements: The Knicks could make a trade before or during the draft. If they do, it will likely be announced via an official team press release or social media.
- Draft selection: If the Knicks retain their picks, they will select their players on June 26. The No. 24 pick will be selected at approximately 9:30 PM EDT (01:30 UTC, June 27), followed by the No. 31 pick shortly after.
- Free agency preparations: Even if the Knicks make a draft trade, they will still enter the free agency period (July 1) with a focus on addressing key roster needs. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are expected to be active in free agency, which could impact the Knicks’ strategy.
Fan reaction: Knicks fans have mixed feelings about potential trades. Some support the idea of acquiring additional draft capital, while others prefer the team to hold onto picks to select players who can contribute immediately. The team’s social media channels have seen increased engagement on draft-related topics, with fans speculating about potential targets.
Key Questions Answered
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Q: Why would the Knicks trade draft picks now?
A: The Knicks are prioritizing roster construction for a championship defense. Trading down allows them to acquire additional assets (future picks or young players) that could help address long-term needs at center and on the wing.
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Q: What kind of players could the Knicks target with their picks?
A: Based on draft profiles, the Knicks could target athletic wings (like Brandon Miller or Ron Harper Jr.) or versatile bigs (like Keegan Murray or Ben Redman) who could develop into role players.
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Q: Could the Knicks trade for a star player?
A: Unlikely. The Knicks are not expected to trade up for a top-tier prospect. Their focus is on acquiring assets or young players who can contribute to the championship defense.
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Q: How does this impact the Knicks’ playoff chances?
A: A successful trade could strengthen the roster for the playoffs, particularly if the Knicks acquire a veteran depth piece or additional draft capital. However, the team’s core (Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Julius Randle) remains intact, ensuring they remain title favorites.
The New York Knicks’ exploration of trade options for their 2024 NBA Draft picks reflects a strategic approach to roster-building as they prepare for a title defense. With the draft just days away, fans will be watching closely to see if the team makes a move to strengthen their championship-caliber roster.
Next steps: Follow the official Knicks website and NBA Draft coverage for live updates on trade announcements and draft selections. The 2024 NBA Draft takes place on June 26 at 8:00 PM EDT (00:00 UTC, June 27) at Barclays Center.
What do you think? Should the Knicks trade their draft picks for assets or hold onto them for potential stars? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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