Knicks unlikely to enter 2024 NBA Draft with four first-rounders

NBA

By Stéphane Bondy

WASHINGTON — The pitfall of “protected picks,” beyond that they probably won’t result in a top-3 pick, is that the team that owns them — in this case, the Knicks — doesn’t have lots of control. more when they transmit.

So while this statement sounds great – “the Knicks have up to four first-round picks in the 2024 draft” – it could be quickly followed by “the Knicks only have one first-round pick in the 2024 draft.” 2024”.

The topic was hot on Friday as the Knicks faced the Wizards, the team that owes Leon Rose a first-round pick due to a trade in the 2022 draft. While a little less than a month ago As the season began, this Wizards pick, in particular, doesn’t look good for New York.

At least for the next project.

We’ll tell you why in the explanation of the Knicks’ four potential 2024 first-round picks below:

Wizard’s Choice

How acquired: Part of the complex 2022 trades to drop Kemba Walker’s contract and free up cap space to sign Jalen Brunson.

Protection 2024: Top-12.

What chances does this convey: Not good.

The Wizards have looked bad, really bad, with a 2-10 record and a five-game losing streak. their 120-99 loss to the Knicks Friday.

This was to be expected with Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma as the top scorers.

Washington made the decision to move away during the offseason – trading Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis for future assets – and this is the result.

The Knicks need them to be mid-tier and the Wizards look like bottom dwellers.

Still, Washington has no choice but to make do with these first two players.

Poole and Kuzma signed for big money through 2027, which is also relevant for the Knicks because: If Washington’s 2024 pick doesn’t make it to New York, he becomes top 10 protected in 2025, then in the top 8 in 2026.

If it doesn’t come to fruition by 2026, that will become two second-round picks.

Pistons picks

How acquired: Also in this 2022 draft trade to remove Walker’s salary

Protection 2024: Top-18.

What chances does this convey: Really not good.

The Pistons were supposed to be better after giving Monty Williams a huge contract, but they started the season 2-10 with a nine-game losing streak heading into Friday against the Cavaliers.

Theoretically, they could turn things around – especially since Cade Cunningham is very talented – but it’s very unlikely their pick would fall outside of the top 18.

If it is not transmitted in 2024, it becomes protected in the top 13 in 2025, then in the top 11 in 2026, then in the top 9 in 2027.

If he doesn’t materialize by 2027, he will become a second-round pick.

Mavericks picks

How acquired: Inside the 2019 trade involving Kristaps Porzingis

Protection 2024: Top 10.

What chances does this convey: Alright!

The Mavericks are a winning team now and start with a 9-3 record and MVP-like performance from Luka Doncic.

They barely kept this pick away from the Knicks in 2023 by losing late in the season, absorbing a $750,000 fine from the NBA so they could sign starting center Derek Lively II.

Kyrie Irving is obviously an expert at implosion, so anything is possible, but this pick seems to go to the Knicks.

The hope though is that the Mavericks aren’t too good and it falls into the mid 20s.

Knicks pick

How acquired: Via NBA Rules

Where will it fall: Hard to say now, but the Knicks are projected as a playoff team, so we’ll guess it will be out of the lottery.

Assuming all protected picks pass on at some point (there’s also one coming from Milwaukee), Leon Rose has eight first-rounders to use – or trade – in the next four drafts.