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New York Knicks: Teams that may be open to trading 2017 NBA Draft pick

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) drives to the basket between New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) and Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) drives to the basket between New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) and Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Portland Trail Blazers

The New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers have been tied to one another as potential trade partners. It may be the most plausible scenario given the fact that New York is in possession of three different selections in the 2017 NBA Draft.

If Portland is willing to move either the No. 15, No. 20, or No. 26 overall selections in the 2017 NBA Draft, then the Knicks could pounce.

A potential trade could look something like this:

The idea with a trade is that Portland needs relief from the luxury tax and New York needs defense and a draft pick. In this scenario, the Knicks would move hybrid forward Lance Thomas and the No. 44 pick for small forward Maurice Harkless and the No. 20 pick.

Between the $3,507,596 difference in Harkless and Thomas’ respective salaries, and the $1,549,500 owed to the player drafted at No. 20, Portland would save $5,057,096.

It’s possible that the Trail Blazers will ask for more, but New York and Portland have reportedly discussed a trade about a draft pick and Harkless. Harkless’ defensive versatility, size, and explosive athleticism would all help New York’s overall level of success.

If the Knicks have an opportunity to even acquire Harkless on the night of the 2017 NBA Draft, that would be progress unto itself.

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