Valencia Basket's young point guard, Sergio de Larrea, experienced a whirlwind NBA Draft night with rapid team movements. He was selected in the first round, specifically with the 25th pick, by the New York Knicks. However, his tenure with the reigning champions was short-lived, as he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks shortly thereafter.
These types of trades during the Draft night are common. The 25th pick, originally belonging to the Los Angeles Lakers, arrived in New York minutes before the selection. The Knicks chose De Larrea but later completed a trade sending the player's rights to Dallas. In return, the Knicks received Koa Peat (the 30th pick) and two future second-round selections.
The change in context between the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks could be decisive for De Larrea's future. While the Knicks, as current champions, require immediate performance, the Mavericks are in a rebuilding phase, seeking young talent to develop. This scenario appears more conducive to De Larrea's potential jump to the NBA next season.
It has not yet been confirmed whether De Larrea will play in the NBA next season or if he will wait another year. However, his affiliation with the Mavericks increases the chances of an earlier debut compared to staying with the Knicks.
In other news, Spanish center Aday Mara, NCAA champion with Michigan, was selected 12th overall in the Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, a championship team featuring stars like two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Mara thus makes history in Spanish basketball, being one of the highest-drafted Spanish players ever.
The second round of the 2026 NBA Draft will take place on the night of Thursday, June 24th, to Friday, June 25th, at 01:30 AM CET at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. In Spain, it can be followed live on DAZN and Amazon Prime.
