The Knicks have limited draft assets to trade after their big moves for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns.
With no cap space left following the re-signing of OG Anunoby to a franchise-record deal and addition of Towns’ four-year, $220 million extension, they must turn to their second-round picks to sweeten future trades.
Here’s a look at the Knicks’ second-round draft capital, how they acquired these picks, and which ones hold the most value.
Most Valuable: Knicks’ Own 2031 and 2032 Picks
By 2031, the Knicks may no longer be contenders. Championship windows close, and the consequences of going all-in tend to hit later. If the Knicks find themselves in rebuild mode by then, their second-rounders could land in the early 30s — making these picks highly attractive to teams looking toward the future.
Second-Most Valuable: Warriors’ 2026 Pick
The Warriors are nearing a crossroads. With Klay Thompson on to Dallas and Stephen Curry entering his late 30s, the team may struggle to stay competitive in the West. If the Warriors miss the playoffs for the second season in a row, this pick could drastically rise in value given the uncertainty of Curry’s future and the Warriors’ will to compete for a title.
Third Most Valuable: Least Favorable of Bucks, Magic and Detroit in 2026
This pick, acquired from Brooklyn in the Mikal Bridges deal, has a few variables. The Pistons are likely out of the picture, but Orlando’s rise and Milwaukee’s potential decline add intrigue. If the Bucks falter, the Knicks could end up with Orlando’s pick, which wouldn’t be a bad outcome.
Fourth Most Valuable: Second and Third Most-Favorable of Heat, Pacers, Rockets and Thunder in 2027
As part of the Jones trade with the Thunder, the Knicks will receive two of these four teams’ second-rounders, depending on how their seasons play out. While Miami’s aging core could lead to a drop-off, Indiana, Houston and OKC are projected to stay competitive, making this a mid-tier asset.
Least Valuable: Celtics’ 2028 Pick
The Knicks own the Celtics’ top-45 protected second-round pick from 2028, acquired via the Dillon Jones trade with Oklahoma City. Boston’s core — Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and possibly Kristaps Porzingis — likely keeps them in contention, making this pick unattractive as pot sweeteners.
Second-Least Valuable: Knicks’ 2026 Pick
The Knicks are in win-now mode, and if they continue their strong performance from last season, this pick could end up being one of the last in the draft.
If their title window remains open, this selection won’t hold much weight in trade talks.
Third-Least Valuable: Timberwolves’ 2027 Pick
As Anthony Edwards ascends to stardom, the Timberwolves are becoming a top contender. Their recent 56-win season and the Towns trade make this pick one of the least valuable assets in the Knicks’ war chest.
Fourth-Least Valuable: Grizzlies’ 2025 Pick
Ja Morant and the Grizzlies are poised to make a strong playoff run after a turbulent season. With Memphis likely staying competitive, their 2025 second-rounder holds little value in trade discussions.
Remaining Second-Round Pick
The Knicks also hold the least favorable between Indiana’s and Phoenix’s 2028 second-round picks, acquired in the Obi Toppin trade with the Pacers. With both teams on solid trajectories, this pick is unlikely to be significant.
Without significant draft capital or cap space, the Knicks will need creativity to craft attractive trade packages and close the distance between the reigning champion Celtics.
Their best assets — players aside — lie in their future second-rounders, which will need to be strategically utilized for maximum gain.
