The Knicks have traded their No. 31 and No. 55 picks to the Rockets for the No. 39, No. 53, and a second-round pick from the Kings in 2029. This follows a previous trade where they moved down from the 24th pick to the 47th, which helped them avoid exceeding the second tax apron next season. The Rockets are using the 31st pick to select Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, who had a standout season averaging nearly 20 points a game.

By the Numbers
  • Bruce Thornton averaged 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 34 games during the 2025/26 season.
  • Thornton had a shooting efficiency of .554 from the field, .400 from three-point range, and .829 from the free-throw line.
State of Play
  • The Knicks have prioritized financial flexibility, focusing on players who can sign for the rookie minimum.
  • The Rockets aim to bolster their bench, with shooting being a primary focus in their acquisitions.
What's Next

As the draft progresses, expect teams to continue making strategic trades to reshape their rosters while managing salary cap implications. The Knicks may further target budget-friendly players, while the Rockets will likely seek to enhance their shooting depth.

Bottom Line

This trade reflects the Knicks' commitment to financial prudence while granting the Rockets a promising guard in Bruce Thornton to address their shooting needs.