The Knicks likely accomplished two goals on Tuesday.  

They likely avoided adding a first-round pick’s salary but also acquired talent for the future. 

As expected, they traded out of the No. 24 pick during the first round of the NBA draft Tuesday night at Barclays Center – but they only made it one slot later, sending it to the Lakers in exchange for No. 25.

Sergio de Larrea of Valencia Basket and Yannis Morin of Asisa Joventut in action during the Spanish League, Liga ACB Endesa, basketball Semi Final Game 3 match played between Asisa Joventut and Valencia Basket on June 14, 2026. Europa Press via Getty Images

The Knicks got cash considerations back in the deal, The Post confirmed. 

Then at No. 25, they picked Spanish teenager Sergio de Larrea, a 6-foot-6 guard who played for Valencia. 

It seems likely that the Knicks will stash de Larrea overseas, allowing them to keep his rights but not have to sign him to a contract yet.

That means he will not have any impact on their salary total for the 2026-27 season. 

Knicks president Leon Rose talks on the phone during the Knicks-Hawks Game 3. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

That is important because the Knicks have limited space to stay under the second apron – which owner James Dolan recently said he wishes to avoid, though it’s to be determined if that desire becomes reality.

The Knicks are already bringing back Mohamed Diawara on a multiyear deal worth $10 million, The Post’s Stefan Bondy confirmed.

And they have multiple free agents to make decisions on – namely Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson along with Ariel Hukporti and Jeremy Sochan.

Sergio De Larrea, #5 of Valencia Basket celebrates at the end of the EuroLeague Play Off Game Five match between Valencia Basket and Panathinaikos Aktor Athens at Roig Arena on May 13, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. Euroleague Basketball via Getty

Jose Alvarado has a $4.5 million player option, too. 

Assuming Alvarado opts in, the Knicks – if they stash de Larrea – are now roughly $16.5 million under the second apron.

They would have been around $13 million under the second apron if they stayed at No. 24, made that pick and signed that player.