It’s been a week of celebration for New York Knicks fans since the team won the NBA Finals, and that did not stop at the Draft. A rendition of “Go New York, Go” broke out when the team came on the clock at 24th overall. But then, the Knicks traded the pick to the Los Angeles Lakers, creating a pretty awkward moment at the NBA Draft in Brooklyn.
World Champion New York Knicks receive LOUD applause at NBA Draft
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— Mek
BMG #BM5K (@YoungBigMek) June 24, 2026
After this loud ovation, the ‘Knicks’ selected Cam Carr from Baylor University. But he had already been traded to the Lakers in a pick swap. New York moved back one spot, from 24 to 25, for cash considerations, according to Brett Siegel. With the 25th overall pick, the Knicks selected Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea.
Siegel called the Carr selection a “steal” for the Lakers. In his last mock draft, Siegel had Carr going 13th to the Milwaukee Bucks. While that would have been good value for the Knicks at the 24th overall pick, they prioritized bringing cash in the door.
Owner James Dolan almost stayed out of the limelight during the Knicks’ championship run. But on WFAN just before the parade, Dolan made it clear he would not be taking the team into the 2nd apron. Acquiring cash can help him pay the championship players without going into the penalty.
The Knicks may not have used the 24th overall pick, but their fans celebrated anyway. Those fans will be celebrating for a long time after waiting 53 years for this moment. Will this trade come back to haunt the Knicks?
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