It was a hell of a night for New York Knicks fans who were left reeling during the draft process. In particular, the team made a series of trades surrounding their draft picks and Kemba Walker that confused just about everyone. Here's how it happened.
First, Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder made a trade involving the 11th overall pick (which turned out to be Usman Dieng). In the 2023 draft, Thunder used this pick to exchange for three future first-round players. This part of the population is easy to understand.
What comes next, though, is a series of intricate transactions that will throw everyone's brains into confusion. First, the Knicks packaged one of the first players they acquired from the Thunder, along with four second-rounders, to acquire Charlotte's 13th pick in 2022.
Then, New York immediately packaged the 13th pick and point guard Kemba Walker to the Pistons in exchange for the Bucks 's 2025 first-round pick. In short: The Knicks gave up their 11th pick, four second-round picks, and gave up Walker and three future first-round picks (two in 2023, one in 2025) (Ti M. Bontemps)
The idea behind all these moves by the Knicks is so obvious: to free up cap space for free agent signings. In true Knicks glory, this team is once again targeting the opportunity to make a splash in free agency rather than via the draft to reach the top of the league. This time, their target seems to be Jaylen Brunson of the Dallas Mavericks.
These types of moves have long been criticized by Knicks fans. We'll see if they can ultimately justify these moves this season.
