The New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies were on opposite ends of the spectrum this past season, which was reflected in Tuesday's NBA Draft results. The Knicks traded out of the first round after starting with the No. 24 overall pick, while the Grizzlies drafted star Duke forward Cameron Boozer No. 3 and traded for forward Karim Lopez out of the Australian National Basketball League (No. 21 overall).
This came after the Knicks won the 2026 NBA championship and the Grizzlies finished 13th in the Western Conference at 25-57. New York wants salary cap relief as it tries to retain its squad, while Memphis is building for the future.
Although the two organizations are on different paths, they're employing a similar strategy for the second round on Wednesday, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
"Memphis, like the Knicks at No. 31, is actively fielding offers to move the No. 32 pick for Night 2 of the draft, per sources," he reported. "So picks 31 and 32 are up for auction in trades around the NBA -- with future assets being proposed."
Those picks are the first two of the second round. Both teams want to stack assets after accomplishing their goals on Tuesday.
Knicks Save Cap Space, Grizzlies Land Cornerstone
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New York saved $3.4 million by not adding a first-round player to the roster on Tuesday, per SNY's Ian Begley. It is now $10.8 million under the second apron, although it has yet to re-sign center Mitchell Robinson and guard Landry Shamet, two key pieces in its playoff rotation. The organization is operating as if it won't go into the second apron, a strategy that risks losing those players, per Begley.
The Knicks traded the No. 24 pick to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday for No. 25 and cash considerations before selecting guard Sergio de Larrea out of Spain. Then, they dealt him to the Dallas Mavericks for Arizona forward Koa Peat (No. 30) and two second-round picks before dealing Peat to the Phoenix Suns for three second-rounders and cash.
New York received the No. 31 pick from the Washington Wizards, who initially traded it to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, Memphis has No. 32 from the Indiana Pacers, who originally got the selection from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Grizzlies now have a new player to build around, as Boozer has All-NBA upside. The 2026 National College Player of the Year averaged 22.5 points on 55.6% shooting (39.1% 3-point) with 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals over 33.5 minutes (38 games) for the Blue Devils. He and Lopez add to a young core featuring guard Cedric Coward (2025 No. 11 overall pick), forward Jaylen Wells (2024 No. 39 pick) and center Zach Edey (2024 No. 9 pick).
