By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Spanish point guard Sergio de Larrea has emerged as a prominent target for both the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, according to league insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
The 20-year-old Valencia prospect has captured significant front-office attention due to his rare combination of a 1.98-meter frame, a 2.06-meter wingspan, and elite backcourt playmaking intelligence. Scouts frequently praise his masterful pick-and-roll pacing, noting that the young floor general consistently makes the correct decision. Furthermore, his reliable perimeter foundation is backed by a strong 40% three-point shooting average against seasoned professionals in the EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa.
The Wolves hold a strong interest in selecting the polished international guard with the 28th overall pick next Tuesday, viewing his elite positional size as an ideal long-term fit next to superstar Anthony Edwards. This strong interest from Minnesota creates a strategic dilemma for the newly crowned champions, who currently own the 24th and 31st selections. To secure the Valladolid native outright, the Knicks may be forced to keep their first pick rather than attempting to trade down or waiting for the second round on Wednesday.
Despite the heavy draft-night interest, the young guard is in no rush to jump to North America, especially as he is expected to assume an even larger role with Valencia in the 2026–27 season. Having already gained valuable experience with 34 EuroLeague appearances, including 31 during the 2025–26 edition of Europe’s premier club competition, he remains an incredibly attractive immediate backup or draft-and-stash option for both franchises.
Before shifting his focus entirely to the draft, de Larrea has immediate championship business to finish in Spain, as he is currently competing in the Liga Endesa Finals of the 2025-26 ACB season.
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