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Knicks Trade Down and Take Spanish Shooter Sergio De Larrea at No. 25

Preserving payroll flexibility to avoid the NBA’s second apron, New York took a cash-backed EuroLeague sharpshooter whose NBA arrival is not yet certain.

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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Two basketball players, one in a green and black uniform and another in an orange uniform, in action during the Asisa Joventut V Valencia Basket - Liga Acb Endesa - Semi Final Game 3, Image 2 shows A Valencia Basket player in an orange uniform and a referee walk across a basketball court as a crowd in orange cheers in the background

Overview

  • The Knicks swapped picks with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday and moved from No. 24 to No. 25, receiving cash considerations before selecting 20-year-old Sergio De Larrea.
  • De Larrea is a 6-foot-5 wing from Valencia with EuroLeague experience who shot about 40 percent from three this past season and averaged 9.7 points in Spain’s top league.
  • It is not yet clear if De Larrea will join the Knicks this season because EuroLeague contracts and buyouts often delay a rookie’s move to the NBA.
  • Owner James Dolan’s pre-draft stance on avoiding the NBA’s second apron framed the move as a way to protect payroll flexibility and favor cash or tradable assets over adding a guaranteed rookie salary.
  • With New York returning its full championship starting five, the pick mainly serves as low-cost depth and optionality while pending free agents such as Mitchell Robinson and reserve Landry Shamet will shape whether the team needs an immediate rotation player.