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Knicks Trade Rumors: Five Reasons To Pursue Maurice Harkless

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) dunks the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) dunks the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Draft Pick

The most important note to be made here is that the New York Knicks wouldn’t be trading for a solitary asset. Maurice Harkless is a quality player with upside, but the most appealing aspect of this move would be how many bases it would cover.

In addition to acquiring a promising young two-way player, the Knicks would be securing a second first-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

New York is currently in possession of the No. 8 overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft. In a potential trade with Portland, it would be adding the No. 15, No. 20, and No. 26 overall pick to its already enticing list of possibilities.

If the Knicks manage to draft well this coming June, Phil Jackson could conceivably add starting-caliber players at three different positions.

New York could find a point guard and shooting guard with its two draft picks, and directly secure a quality small forward with the trade. Even if the draft picks don’t work out, the trade would create too grand of an opportunity to pass over.

Building a championship contender requires a front office to take educated risks, and this would qualify as such for Phil Jackson.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks and a full Round 1

A trade for Maurice Harkless and a first-round draft pick would be the type of move that could help change Phil Jackson’s reputation amongst New York Knicks fans.

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