NBA rumors: Knicks linked to intriguing draft prospects after Mikal Bridges trade
06/26/2024 11:20 AM
The New York Knicks pulled off a massive trade on the eve of the 2024 NBA Draft, acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. There are still plenty of other moves to pull off with the draft now here.
The Knicks did not include in their package to the Nets any of their picks in the 2024 draft. They possess the 24th, 25th and 38th overall picks in what is considered a weak draft but do still have a number of prospects available in New York’s range who could become good NBA players. Previously seen as a team that is likely to shuffle around its picks, the Knicks may end up using each one to add young talent.
According to Jonathan Givony of ESPN, the Knicks are expected to retain all of their draft picks. They could easily trade up for a prospect they like but more young talent in the back of the roster wouldn't be a bad thing to have, too.
The Knicks adding Bridges complicates their ability to keep Isaiah Hartenstein and, while it doesn't rule out OG Anunoby returning, it makes re-signing him a little tougher. New York could look to draft their potential replacements or add talent at other positions.
Knicks should target center, additional guard depth in 2024 NBA Draft
One prospect the Knicks may look to add is Marquette guard Tyler Kolek. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic writes that the Knicks "have been interested in Kolek throughout the season." His playmaking would be great to have so that the burden on Jalen Brunson isn't as great. He can also shoot the ball really well from deep.
Vecenie mentions Virginia’s Ryan Dunn and San Francisco’s Jonathan Mogbo as other targets the Knicks have been linked to.
Dunn is widely regarded as not just the best defensive prospect in this draft but one of the best in recent memory. His weaknesses on offense sink his draft stock but if the Knicks are able to make him passable on that end, he could add to their incredible bench.
Mogbo is a bit small for someone who projects to be a big man but he is very athletic and has shown a lot of potential as a playmaker. He used to play guard before undergoing a growth spurt.
ESPN, meanwhile, mocks the Knicks to address their potential need at center and draft Kel’el Ware. The Indiana product has the chance to be a stretch big. That mock draft also has New York selecting Terrence Shannon Jr. The Illinois guard was acquitted of charges of rape and aggravated sexual assault, a case that NBA teams were closely monitoring. Shannon’s two-way talent and impressive production in college make him a legitimate draft prospect.
The Knicks have a very deep team that is ready to compete right now, so whoever they draft will have to develop more behind the scenes. They sacrificed years of picks to land Bridges, so they will have to make the most of the picks they have in the 2024 NBA Draft.
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