The New York Knicks simply cannot afford another season like the one they have this year. Finishing as one of the worst teams in the NBA, this is not what Phil Jackson saw when he first took over as team president. The first step towards improvement will be the upcoming NBA Draft where the Knicks possess the No.4 overall pick. The Knicks could easily stay put at their respective spot, but general manager Steve Mills hinted they would be open to shopping the pick for the right package as they begin pre-draft workouts.
According to Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com, the Knicks are eyeing both Cameron Payne and Willie Cauley-Stein with trade downs in the draft. Most Knicks fans will not be thrilled at the idea of trading down out of the top four, but considering players like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook were found that way, it is not such a terrible idea. Begley writes the Knicks are preparing workouts for both Payne and Cauley-Stein in the coming weeks and if left impress, they might be more willing to trade the pick.
Begley reports that team sources say the Knicks are doing their due diligence on multiple players in the draft. Mills plans on picking up the phone if a team were to call about a trade and they want to have specific players in mind with a move down the board. Both Payne and Cauley-Stein are considered mid first-round picks and will be available well past the No.4 spot. New York currently has four trade exceptions worth $5.9 million to $1.8 million. They can be used to target a player with a similar salary, so targeting Payne or Cauley-Stein would fit.
Of course the Knicks could stay put. They have worked out Justise Winslow, Emmanuel Mudiay and D'Angelo Russell who will be around at No.4. Their first-round pick will greatly influence who they target in free agency. If Mudiay or Russell are drafted than players like Greg Monroe or DeAndre Jordan will be options. If Winslow or Payne are drafted than Rajon Rondo or Goran Dragic could be the options in free agency.
The Knicks need a point guard along with an elite defender. They can fill both voids in either the draft or free agency. With cap space to burn and a top draft pick, the Knicks have plenty of options available.