The New York Knicks are pondering a trade into the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft. Which prospects would be worth making the ultimate gamble of trading into the first round for?
The 2016 NBA Draft Combine presented the New York Knicks with a unique opportunity to evaluate future possibilities. The Knicks don’t have a first or second-round selection, but Phil Jackson is interested in trading into the annual selection process.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, New York is eyeing a move into the second round.
Kurt Rambis is in Chicago with the Knicks at the NBA's draft combine with GM Steve Mills & other front office members, per league sources.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 11, 2016
The question is, what if the Knicks were to make an even bigger gamble and pursue a first-round draft pick?
New York doesn’t have the personnel to trade into the Top 20, which makes a move into the Bottom 10 of Round 1 the more likely outcome. Even then, doing so would cost New York some of its more desirable assets.
That’d be tough to stomach, but coming off of a 32-50 season, it’s hard to call very many players on the roster untouchable.
Kristaps Porzingis won’t be moved, and neither Carmelo Anthony nor Robin Lopez should be dealt for a draft pick outside of the lottery. Beyond that trio, however, anything is possible for a team that needs to improve.
It may be unlikely, but if New York is weighing a trade into the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft, these prospects would be worth the gamble.
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