The New York Knicks are desperate for some talent. Seriously, they could stand to upgrade at every position except small forward. The hope was that they would land one of the top two picks in the NBA draft after such an abysmal season and add a blue chip prospect. But nothing is breaking right in Phil Jackson's first year calling the shots as New York was awarded just the No. 4 overall selection.
Although there are some enticing players to be had at that spot, they may not be top tier enough for Jackson to pull the trigger on. As such, the Knicks could trade their pick.
"Sources say the Knicks are entertaining trading down in the draft if [Karl Anthony] Towns, [Jahlil] Okafor and [D'Angelo] Russell are all taken in the top three picks," ESPN's Chad Ford wrote. "It sounds as if they remain on the fence about both Emmanuel Mudiay and [Kristaps] Porzingis. That's why they've been looking at players such as Cameron Payne and Frank Kaminsky in recent workouts. If the Knicks can get a valuable veteran and still land somewhere in the back end of the lottery, it might make more sense for them than taking a player they aren't sold on at No. 4. We know several teams, including the Nuggets and Pacers, are trying to move up in the draft."
Denver may very well be in the market for a top point guard prospect if they end up trading Ty Lawson. As Ford notes, they could be an eager trading partner if the opportunity presents itself.
But is this just a smokescreen from New York or are they legitimately unhappy with the players they believe will be available when they are on the clock? Few prospects come without question marks but can New York really afford to trade a top five pick?
The NBA Draft will be held on June 25.
