The New York Knicks hold the No. 8 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, along with two second round picks (No. 44, No. 58). That gives them plenty of flexibility in the coming weeks when it comes to possible moves, which they are exploring in this deep and loaded draft class. Here are three potential draft day trades the Knicks could make:
3) Move into the top 5
Knicks get: No. 4 overall pick
Suns get: No. 8 overall pick, No. 44 overall pick, future protected 1st round pick
New York really likes Frank Ntilikina, but also hold De'Aaron Fox in very high regard. Fox is currently projected to be drafted by the Kings with the No. 5 overall pick, so if they Knicks decide they really want him, they'll need to jump Sacramento. Phoenix is in a rebuild and could be willing to trade back a few spots to get more picks and future assets. Giving up what it would cost to move up to No. 4 would be a bit short-sighted for a New York team that's embarking on a rebuild of their own, but if they think Fox will be a future superstar? This is the move to make.
2) Trade down in the first round
Knicks get: No. 15 overall pick, No. 20 overall pick, 2018 1st round pick
Trail Blazers get: No. 8 overall pick
Now, the Knicks could very well decide to go the other way and try to stockpile picks for the rebuild. Portland has three first-rounders, giving them the ammunition to trade up to select Jonathan Isaac or Lauri Markkanen if they so choose. In a class with this much talent, adding another first round pick in the top 20 could be well worth it for the Knicks - along with giving themselves two first-rounders in next year's draft as well.
1) Move up in the 2nd round
Knicks get: No. 34 overall pick
Kings get: No. 44 overall pick, No. 58 overall pick, future 2nd round pick
This is the most likely trade the Knicks would make, and also probably the smartest deal of the bunch. I think New York likes their options with the No. 8 pick, and there's plenty of very talented, high-upside players that figure to be available early in the second round. The Kings need more picks for their massive rebuilding effort (sensing a theme?), making them a willing trade partner.
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