New York Knicks: Team-specific 2017 NBA Mock Draft with trades 1.0

In the latest mock of the 2017 NBA Draft, we look at what the New York Knicks could do if Phil Jackson pulls off a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 2017 NBA Draft is shaping up to be an event of unprecedented value to the New York Knicks. In addition to having three draft picks to work with, New York is actively pursuing the possibility of adding a fourth selection to the equation.

While no trade is guaranteed to be made, it’d be wise to explore the possibility of New York adding another prospect to its growing talent pool.

In previous mock drafts, the only picks listed have been those that New York is currently in possession of. This time around, there’s a more ambitious approach taken to evaluating the state of the Knicks and the potential moves that could be made.

That doesn’t necessarily change the draft strategy at No. 8 overall, but it opens the door for a second player with immediate value to be found.

The theme in this mock draft is not only trading, but the construction of a sustainably elite defense. Thus, the Knicks may reach for a prospect, but they do so in the spirit of creating something that’s true to the organization’s lost identity.

The question is: What type of trade could the New York Knicks pull off and how can Phil Jackson utilize such an opportunity to build for the future?