The New York Knicks were back in the playoffs for the second time in three years, and no franchise is better positioned to improve their roster this offseason. Few expected them to jump back into the postseason or reach the second round, but credit to Leon Rose for making some wise moves, and more could be on the horizon.
New York has ten first-round picks to offer in trades, including four from other franchises, which puts the Knicks at the front of the line to acquire the next disgruntled superstar. Who will it be? Time will tell, but adding an All-NBA candidate could push New York into title contention for the first time in more than two decades.
Acquiring a star player always comes at a hefty price, so what will their trade partner want in a deal?
New York Knicks’ best trade assets in 2023 offseason
11. Wizards’ 2024 protected first-round pick
The Knicks acquired a protected Wizards first-round pick on draft night in 2022 as part of clearing cap space to sign Jalen Brunson. Washington just fired their general manager, and the franchise has missed the playoffs in four of the last five years. They could be headed towards a full-scale rebuild, which would lessen the value of this selection.
It has a top 12 protection in 2024, meaning Washington would have to make the playoffs or finish 13th or 14th after next year’s draft lottery for it to head to New York. It goes to top-10 protected in 2025 and just top-eight protected in 2026. If the selection is not conveyed by 2026, it becomes two second-rounders.
Can Washington get back in the playoff hunt by 2026? If not, the Knicks may end up with just two second-round picks, which makes this selection best used by packaging it in a trade for something bigger.