Knicks 2026 NBA Draft Primer: Targets, how free agency factors in, and more

A Knicks primer on the 2026 NBA Draft:

WHERE DO THEY PICK?

The world champs have the No. 24, No. 31, and No. 55 picks in this week’s draft.

Of note, the Knicks have been talking to teams about deals that include the No. 24 pick as recently as Tuesday morning.

WHO HAVE THEY WORKED OUT IN THE NO. 24 TO NO. 31 RANGE?

Michigan PFMorez Johnson Jr.

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Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas

Duke wing Isaiah Evans

St. John’s big man Zuby Ejiofor

UConn forward Alex Karaban

Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile

Houston guard Emanuel Sharp

South Florida big Izaiyah Nelson

Virginia big Ugonna Onyenso

WHAT ARE POSITIONS OF NEED?

That depends on what the Knicks plan to do in free agency. 

Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Jeremy Sochan, Mohamed Diawara (restricted), Ariel Hukporti(restricted), Kevin McCullar Jr.(restricted) and Trey Jemison(restricted) are free agents. Jose Alvaradohas a player option. Miles McBrideis eligible for an extension.

Apr 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) shows emotion after a play against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. / Brett Davis – Imagn Images

If Robinson and Shamet are back, the Knicks probably look at size on the wing or a player who can handle the ball. Ejiofor has some fans in the organization. If they think they are losing Robinson or Hukporti, maybe the Knicks draft a center? Tarris Reed Jr. from UConn would be a strong pick in New York’s range.

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**Owner James Dolan said recently on WFAN that he doesn’t want to spend into the second apron. I have to think that Dolan was mistaken, referencing the penalties a team incurs when it is in the second apron for three out of five seasons. The Knicks would need to get into the second apron to re-sign Robinson and Shamet. So it wouldn’t make sense for the club to limit spending at below the second apron. Especially a team coming off of a championship whose best player (Jalen Brunson) took a pay cut to help build out the roster. If Dolan is serious about the second apron, it will significantly impact the Knicks’…

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Publish date : 2026-06-23 21:12:00

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