Knicks draft picks: Updated look at every selection in 2025, 2026 & beyond

When looking back at the New York Knicks' NBA Draft history, it's less of a five-star steakhouse experience and more of a McDonald’s Happy Meal — cheap, inconsistent, and often disappointing.

The Knicks struggled to draft and develop franchise-altering talent for decades, thanks to a revolving door of general managers and questionable ownership decisions. The numbers don’t lie: RJ Barrett was just the second first-round pick in franchise history to sign a contract extension after his rookie deal since Charlie Ward in 1999 — a 23-year streak that sounds almost too ridiculous to be true. Even David Lee, who technically signed an extension, was immediately shipped off to Golden State for a return that barely moved the needle.

From Danilo Gallinari to Kristaps Porzingis to Obi Toppin, the Knicks’ draft history has been a rollercoaster of hype and heartbreak. But under Leon Rose, the franchise has transformed from one of the NBA’s most cursed teams into a legitimate championship contender.

That transformation has come at a cost — a massive chunk of their draft capital.

The Knicks’ Draft Pick Situation Until 2031

The Knicks have aggressively traded away their draft assets to build a win-now roster, headlined by their blockbuster acquisitions of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.

Most notably, the Bridges trade saw the Knicks give up four of their own first-round picks and a pick swap — the most draft capital New York has moved in a single deal since the Carmelo Anthony trade in 2011.

So, why would the Knicks bet so heavily on themselves? Why sacrifice future first-round picks when anything can go wrong?

The answer is simple: their championship window is open now.

Every upcoming Knicks draft pick

Unlike past iterations of the Knicks, this team is built for sustained success. Only two players on the roster — Cameron Payne and Delon Wright — are 30 years old or older, and both are likely short-term rentals.

Meanwhile, their core players — Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson — are all under contract for the next 3-4 years. That means the Knicks aren’t just looking at one shot at a title, but multiple seasons to legitimately contend.

As for the future, the Knicks have quietly done a solid job developing young talent, despite parting ways with draft picks.

While the Knicks may not have a stacked war chest of draft picks, their roster stability, young prospects, and win-now mentality suggest that the draft is no longer a primary concern.

• Ariel Hukporti, acquired via trade, has stepped up in Mitchell Robinson’s absence, even earning a handful of starts.
• Tyler Kolek has shown strong playmaking instincts, positioning himself as a potential long-term backup point guard behind Brunson.
• Pacome Dadiet has been thriving in the G League, steadily developing into an NBA-ready contributor.