With the No. 4 pick in the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks will likely miss out on Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Antony Towns. However, they could really have their pick of any of the other prospects at that spot. Phil Jackson told the media at the start of the offseason that a defender could be the main target for the team at the pick and according to reports, Justise Winslow is becoming the favorite.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Knicks will be working out Winslow on Monday and are coming very close to locking him in at the No. 4 pick. This is the second time the team has been linked to the former Duke star. The New York Post reported Winslow and Carmelo Anthony took in a New York Yankees game after the prospect declared for the draft. The team continued to get linked to Winslow since then.
The Knicks appear favored to take a defender. They have looked at all top point guards. According to ESPN's Chad Ford, the Knicks have worked out both D'Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay, but there is hesitation with taking a young point guard. Assumed the Knicks get the trade of Jose Calderon that they have been searching for, the team has Langston Galloway as the lone starter at the position. Adding a rookie point guard to the roster would mean the Knicks would be extremely young at the position which is not always ideal.
If the Knicks make a move to acquire Winslow in the draft, they could chase a veteran point guard with a max contract. According to the New York Daily News, the Knicks remain interested in Rajon Rondo with a deal despite his dramatic ending to the 2014-15 season. The Miami Heat, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings are all getting linked to the point guard who is not expected to return to the Dallas Mavericks next year.
The Knicks could also try and trade for players. Ty Lawson, Brandon Jennings and Isaiah Thomas have all been rumored to be available for deals. Goran Dragic could be an option if he decides to opt out and head out of South Beach. According to the Miami Herald, Dwyane Wade is also an option for the team as they look to add players who can help take the pressure off Anthony in 2015.
