The Knicks are fully locked in on their playoff run right now, with the Eastern Conference Finals fast approaching. Most fans are focused on the team’s push for a title, but that hasn’t stopped attention from slowly shifting toward what could be an important offseason in New York.
Free agency is coming soon, and before that, the 2026 NBA Draft will give the Knicks another opportunity to strengthen their roster. New York currently owns three picks in the draft, including the No. 24 overall selection, along with a second-round pick acquired from the Wizards.
Over the last several weeks, the Knicks have quietly started evaluating draft prospects, bringing in players for workouts to see who could eventually fit into Mike Brown’s system. Up until now, many of the names connected to New York were players projected to go in the second round or potentially undrafted.
That changed this week.
Duke standout Isaiah Evans revealed on Wednesday that he plans to remain in the NBA Draft and confirmed he has already met with the Knicks, according to Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer. He also mentioned meetings with the Wizards, Hawks, and Mavericks.
While Evans isn’t the first player New York has worked out, he’s the first realistic first-round option seriously linked to the Knicks’ No. 24 pick.
The 20-year-old wing is coming off an impressive season at Duke, where he earned third-team All-ACC honors. Standing at 6-foot-6, Evans took a noticeable leap in his sophomore year, averaging 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 43.3% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range. He also shot an encouraging 86% from the free-throw line, a number many scouts view as a strong indicator of future NBA shooting potential.
Evans brings athleticism, strong instincts, and solid basketball IQ to the floor. He still needs to add strength and improve as a rebounder, but his upside is clear. With the right development, he has the tools to grow into a valuable rotation player — and possibly more.
Adding a wing like Evans would make sense for New York, especially with uncertainty surrounding veterans such as Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet, both of whom are set to become unrestricted free agents later this summer. Even if Evans isn’t ready to contribute heavily from Day 1, he could give the Knicks much-needed long-term depth on the wing.
There’s still plenty of time before draft night, and a lot can change, but the connection between Evans and the Knicks is already gaining momentum. In fact, he was recently projected to land with New York at No. 24 in a post-lottery mock draft by Kento Kato.
The biggest question now is whether Evans will still be available when the Knicks are on the clock. Washington likely won’t take him with the No. 1 pick, and Dallas doesn’t own a first-round selection, but Atlanta could become a real obstacle. The Hawks hold the No. 23 pick — one spot ahead of New York — meaning the Knicks may need to consider trading up if they truly want Evans.
For now, the interest is real, and Evans appears to check many of the boxes the Knicks are looking for. If he’s still available when New York makes its pick next month, Madison Square Garden could very well become his next home.
