The New York Knicks hold the No. 4 overall pick in tomorrow's NBA Draft. With it, team president Phil Jackson could go in a number of different directions. New York likely wouldn't mind if Duke big man Jahlil Okafor fell to them. The same goes for Ohio State point guard D'Angelo Russell. But would the Knicks ever consider trading the pick?
New York has long been searching for another star to pair with Carmelo Anthony, preferably someone who fits into the triangle offense. A top five pick is an enticing conversation starter if Jackson hopes to get that player by tomorrow night. Although nothing is imminent, the Knicks have had preliminary discussions with other teams about moving their draft selection.
"The Suns had talks with the Knicks about dealing the fourth pick for point guard Eric Bledsoe and the No. 13 pick, but Phoenix has not been limited to the Knicks in that regard," Sean Deveney of Sporting News wrote. "The Suns have been dangling Bledsoe in trade offers this offseason and are likely to continue to do so after the draft if Bledsoe is not moved this week, sources confirmed.
"[Wisconsin center Frank] Kaminsky is among the Suns' targets in the draft, but there is some question as to whether he will still be around at No. 13. Kaminsky had a good workout and meeting with Indiana, which picks No. 11. Kaminsky has not worked out with any teams beyond the 13th pick."
Bledsoe signed a five-year deal worth $70 million shortly before the 2014-15 season began. However, that deal was hard to come by as negotiations between the two sides became very contentious. With a strained relationship and having already shipped off fellow point guards Isaiah Thomas and Goran Dragic this past season, the Suns may want to hit the reset button on their backcourt and move Bledsoe as well.
Bledsoe, 25, put together the healthiest season of his career since his rookie year, starting 81 of a possible 82 games. He averaged 17 points with 6.1 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals. Although his shot still needs work, the Knicks are in desperate need of talent and could use a young player of Beldsoe's caliber.
