The Knicks likely accomplished two goals on Tuesday.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
They likely avoided adding a first-round pick\u2019s salary but also acquired talent for the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As expected, they traded out of the No. 24 pick during the first round of the NBA draft Tuesday night at Barclays Center \u2013 but they only made it one slot later, sending it to the Lakers in exchange for No. 25.<\/a> <\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n The Knicks got cash considerations back in the deal, The Post confirmed.\u00a0<\/p>\n Then at No. 25, they picked Spanish teenager Sergio de Larrea, a 6-foot-6 guard who played for Valencia.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n That means he will not have any impact on their salary total for the 2026-27 season.\u00a0<\/p>\n Knicks president Leon Rose talks on the phone during the Knicks-Hawks Game 3. Charles Wenzelberg \/ New York Post<\/p>\n That is important because the Knicks have limited space to stay under the second apron \u2013 which owner James Dolan recently said he wishes to avoid, though it\u2019s to be determined if that desire becomes reality. <\/p>\n