Mar 26, 2025; New York, New York, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks to post up against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Knicks, LA Clippers Make Trade at 2025 NBA Draft

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 10:17 PM ET

The New York Knicks went into the 2025 NBA Draft with only one pick, due to a forfeited late second-round selection, but the big-market franchise has decided to make a move.

The Knicks have reportedly agreed to a deal with the LA Clippers, as the two franchises have swapped picks. The Knicks have sent pick 50 to the Clippers in exchange for pick 51, while the rest of the trade details have not been disclosed yet.

The Knicks moved Kobe Sanders to the Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Knicks now have No. 51.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2025

With the 50th overall pick, the Clippers selected Kobe Sanders, an impressive guard out of Nevada. Sanders played four seasons at Cal Poly before transferring to Nevada for his final collegiate season, averaging 15.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game with 46.0/34.2/79.5 shooting splits with the Wolf Pack.

With the 51st pick from LA, the Knicks selected Mohamed Diawara, a 6-foot-9 wing from France. The Knicks selecting more of a project player is no surprise, as that seems to be their trend, but the defensive versatility that Diawara shows with his 7-foot-4 wingspan is impressive.

The Knicks have a pre-draft workout scheduled with 6’9 French wing Mohamed Diawara, per @Tom_Cprt

Diawara, 20, has a 7’4 reported wingspan and 9’2 standing reach, has serious defensive versatility, and has been receiving advice from Pacôme Dadiet pic.twitter.com/g826dQig1M
— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) June 5, 2025

The Knicks and Clippers seem to have both found their guys from this deal, and LA likely did not have to give up an abundance of assets, likely cash considerations, to move up just one spot.

The Clippers have now added Kobe Sanders and Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who they selected 30th overall out of Penn State, in the 2025 NBA Draft, which gives them an impressive and underrated duo of rookies to develop in the coming years.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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