DONE DEAL: Knicks Draft Trade their current key man to Land a standout superstar
No team has been busier in the 2024 NBA Draft than the New York Knicks. One notable move included trading up in the second round to select Marquette guard Tyler Kolek. Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to report on this draft night trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Knicks are sending the Blazers future second-round picks for Tyler Kolek at No. 34, per source.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 27, 2024
“The Knicks are sending the Blazers future second-round picks for Tyler Kolek at No. 34, per source,” Wojnarowski tweeted.
Kolek, a 23-year-old guard, played three seasons with the Marquette Golden Eagles. Last season, he averaged 15.3 points, 7.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 31 games.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports later provided more details on the specific picks involved in the deal.
Details on these seconds New York sent Portland, per sources: 2027 Minnesota, 2029 least favorable of Indiana/Washington, and New York's own 2030 second-round pick. https://t.co/S30vKsC8RS
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 27, 2024
“Details on these seconds New York sent Portland, per sources: 2027 Minnesota, 2029 least favorable of Indiana/Washington, and New York’s own 2030 second-round pick,” Fischer tweeted on June 27.
Leon Rose and the Knicks’ front office have been active throughout the draft, making several deals. However, this is the only trade they made to move up in the draft order.
O’Connor: Knicks ‘Love’ Tyler Kolek
After selecting Tyler Kolek at 34th overall, Kevin O’Connor praised the Knicks for the pick. He also noted that the Knicks “love” the Marquette guard and had been linked to him earlier in the first round.
The Knicks love Tyler Kolek. There was a ton of noise they’d take him first round, and he’s a steal at this point. Bucket-getter who can reliably run the show too. Great depth behind Brunson and with so many wings they can maybe play both at once. pic.twitter.com/blUm1tYhFb
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 27, 2024
“On June 27, O’Connor tweeted, “The Knicks love Tyler Kolek. There was a ton of noise they’d take him first round, and he’s a steal at this point. Bucket-getter who can reliably run the show too. Great depth behind Brunson and with so many wings they can maybe play both at once.” John Fanta, a college basketball reporter for FOX, echoed similar sentiments in his own tweet.
The Knicks have been enamored by Tyler Kolek for weeks and did the most due diligence talking with him, sources told me. For New York to get him at 34 on the board is a slam dunk. Kolek goes from 2023 Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player at MSG to calling it his home.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) June 27, 2024
“Fanta tweeted, ‘The Knicks have been enamored by Tyler Kolek for weeks and did the most due diligence talking with him, sources told me. For New York to get him at 34 on the board is a slam dunk. Kolek goes from 2023 Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player at MSG to calling it his home.’
This confirms New York’s effort in acquiring the 34th pick and drafting Kolek, who became a household name after leading Marquette to the Sweet 16. His selection at this point surprised many after earlier expectations.”
New York Drafts Pacôme Dadiet 25th Overall
After a series of trades, the Knicks concluded the first round of the draft by selecting 18-year-old guard Pacôme Dadiet from France with the 25th overall pick. Despite initial fan speculation that he might be stashed overseas for development, Dadiet expressed his intention to play immediately in New York.
“I’m planning on playing here,” Dadiet told reporters after being drafted by the Knicks.
Ranked as the 28th prospect on Kevin O’Connor’s Big Board for The Ringer, Dadiet aims to compete for a roster spot, potentially among the top 15 talents at training camp.
Reflecting on his game and contributions to the Knicks, Dadiet highlighted his versatility. “I think I’m really versatile, but I can also bring what a rookie needs to bring in a team,” he said on June 26. “Bring some energy, being able to grab a rebound and push the ball, but also knock down shots.”
Dadiet joins a guard rotation that includes Donte DiVincenzo, Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, and Tyler Kolek.