The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in acquiring swingman Maurice Harkless from the Portland Trail Blazers. Here’s why New York should.
The New York Knicks are actively pursuing an additional first-round selection in the 2017 NBA Draft. That much has been reported for weeks on end, but until recently, the details of the rumored maneuver were unavailable to the public eye.
That changed when Keith Smith of RealGM reported that the Portland Trail Blazers are willing to attach a first-round draft pick to a trade in order to save on the luxury tax.
Source: Portland Trail Blazers may attach 1 of their 3 1st round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft to shed a contract and save on Luxury Tax.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 31, 2017
Shortly thereafter, it was reported that the Knicks were engaged in trade talks with the Trail Blazers about the available draft picks.
Portland is currently in possession of the No. 15, No. 20, and No. 26 overall selections in the 2017 NBA Draft. Due to the abundance of hefty contracts on the current roster, however, Portland is looking to unload salary and alleviate the pressure of the luxury tax.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the player whom the Knicks have interest in acquiring is swingman Maurice Harkless.
"Talks between New York and Portland are believed to be in the early stages, but at least one scenario discussed involved an additional player from Portland being sent in a trade, according to sources. Portland’s Moe Harkless is one player who was discussed in a possible trade scenario, sources told ESPN."
The potential to acquire both Harkless and a first-round draft pick is undeniably intriguing.
Harkless is a Queens native who played college ball for the St. John’s Red Storm. Selected at No. 15 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, Harkless has traveled a long road to the notoriety he achieved during the 2016-17 season.
The question is: what would the benefits be of the New York Knicks acquiring Maurice Harkless from the Portland Trail Blazers?