The New York Knicks are sounding more and more serious about trading down in the NBA Draft as Phil Jackson is seeking proven talent to put on the roster over players to develop. Jackson told the media that he is impatient when it comes to rebuilding and with the No.4 pick, the Knicks could garner a nice trade package from teams looking to jump up the board. If the Knicks' top picks are drafted by the time they select, the team could push for a trade.
According to ESPN's Chad Ford, if Karl-Anthony Towns, Jahlil Okafor and D'Angelo Russell are already selected by No.4, the Knicks will aim to trade down. According to Ford, the Knicks are not sold on the talent of Emmanuel Mudiay and Kristaps Porzingis. Jackson and general manager Steve Mills are uncertain either or those players are worthy of the top pick which means the team could trade the pick to move down the draft board and potentially acquire a proven veteran in the deal. Teams like the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers are all aiming a move up and could strike a deal with New York.
The Knicks have been working out players that would be available in later picks with the intentions of potentially trading down. Frank Kaminsky met with team officials. Willie Cauley-Stein has worked out for the Knicks while UCLA's Kevon Looney is expected to visit the team Thursday. The Knicks could then target trades for players like Kenneth Faried or Ty Lawson with the Nuggets, Isaiah Thomas and Brandon Bass with the Celtics or Roy Hibbert with the Indiana Pacers.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, the Knicks could trade their pick prior to the draft so long as they earn a 2015 first-round pick in return. They could also try and get a future pick along with a player if they deal the No.4 option. New York also has four trade exceptions worth the range of $1.8 million and $5.9 million. Those could also be used in deals.
Until the draft approaches, the Knicks will evaluate the current roster. According to Carmelo Anthony via New York Post, he is healthy and will be good to go when training camp rolls around. Jose Calderon is expected to be traded along with Tim Hardaway Jr while Andrea Bargnani could come back on a short-term contract.
