Knicks Rumors: How will the NBA Draft impact free agency?

With the NBA Draft just moments away, we’ll soon know which rookies will be playing for the New York Knicks in 2021-22.

For the past month, there have been rumors linking the Knicks to numerous prospects, as is the case with any NBA Draft. However, New York has an enormous amount of cap space this offseason, and this month’s rumors have been just as heavily focused on free agents as they have been on the draft.

With a lot of pressure to deliver this offseason, we know this organization is going to be looking to upgrade the roster in a few key areas. The question immediately after the draft will be: Did the draft impact the team’s free agency plans?

Will the NBA Draft impact the Knicks outlook in free agency?

The turnaround from the NBA Draft to free agency is going to be quick — free agency starts in just a few days on August 2nd.

There’s only one way that the team’s NBA Draft will have a significant impact in free agency — if they trade up in the draft. 

Hypothetically, let’s say the Knicks trade up for Davion Mitchell. That tells us that he’s going to be playing a significant role next season.

Mitchell, who plays point guard, would likely impact the team’s decision to pay long-term money to a free agent such as Lonzo Ball or Spencer Dinwiddie.

The same can probably be said for hypotheticals where the team trades up for a scoring wing or shooting guard, such as James Bouknight or Moses Moody. It’s easy to see how those prospects would impact the Knicks’ decision to spend big on free agents such as Norman Powell or Evan Fournier.

If New York stands pat with picks 19, 21?

I have a very hard time believing no matter who they draft in those slots would deter them from any free agent decisions.

It’s an incredibly loaded draft class, sure. New York can get some fantastic, high-ceiling prospects with those picks, but it’s hard to envision them landing someone at those slots who would step in right away and play 30 minutes a game.

The NBA Draft begins at 8pm EST, get your popcorn ready…