Why Did the Knicks Wheel and Deal on Draft Day?

I believe the answer is simple: $16,178,692

The days and weeks leading up to the 2024 draft were filled with anticipation and speculation about the prospects who might be available when the Knicks were on the clock and which players might fit in well with New York. 

However, Leon Rose flipped the 24th and 25th overall picks in a relatively weak draft into a draft-and-stash 6'9" French wing and six (yes, 6!) second-round picks.

"Now, why would they do that?" as our buddy Brian Windhorst might ask. 

I believe the answer is simple: $16,178,692

Let me explain… 

As has been discussed in depth, the most the Knicks can offer Isaiah Hartenstein this summer, per the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, is a four-year contract that starts at a maximum of 175% of his previous salary with max raises of 8%, which sums to approximately $72.5 million.

Hartenstein earned $9,245,121 last season. Thus, the maximum New York can offer is a first-year salary of $16,178,692.

Under the old CBA, the only concern from a Knicks perspective (assuming iHart would be willing to re-sign with NY, a separate issue) would be an increased luxury tax bill that would solely impact James Dolan's wallet. 

Yet, in the new world of punitive aprons and other overly complicated cap mechanisms, New York will be hard-capped in 2024-25 following the trade for Mikal Bridges, meaning they are prohibited from exceeding specific salary parameters.

Prior to the draft, it was assumed the Knicks would be forced to let Hartenstein walk because the Knicks had two first-round picks, and first-round selections have guaranteed salary slots if they are on your roster. The  No. 24 overall pick has a cap hold of $2,833,800. The cap hold for the No. 25  pick is $2,720,040. 

That $5.5 million worth of cap commitments would cut into the available cap space available, and likely result in New York not being able to clear the $16.2 million required to make iHart the 4/$72 offer.

So, first, the Knicks traded from 24 down to 26 and picked up an extra 2024 second-round pick (#51 overall) for their trouble.

With the 25th overall selection, New York selected French teenager Pacome Dadiet. I'm not going to pretend I know much about this kid. Having watched some highlights, his athleticism is evident, and it looks like he has good form on his jumper and a solid handle. 

Several draft experts who follow the international scene closely are high on Dadiet. "This was a great pick up for the Knicks," according to ESPN's Fran Fraschilla. "Love (Dadiet's) future," Fraschilla tweeted Tuesday. "One German coach in the BBL where he played this year told me he's better at the same age than Franz Wagner. High praise. Remember Franz spent two more years at Michigan before the NBA."

Other pundits are concerned about the lack of defense and play-making ability he showcased in limited minutes last season. ("I buy Dadiet as a scorer… The problem for me is he doesn't do anything else right now," said The Athletic's Sam Vecenie). 

Hopefully, we will get an up-close look at Dadiet during Summer League action in Vegas. Yet, as with any 18-year-old, projecting too far into the future is foolish.