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New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Mock Draft including trades

By Maxwell Ogden

LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 13: Jevon Carter #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers defends Niem Stevenson #10 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the game on January 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated West Virginia 72-71. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 13: Jevon Carter #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers defends Niem Stevenson #10 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the game on January 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated West Virginia 72-71. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 26: Kyle O’Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 26, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 26: Kyle O’Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 26, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Trade

The New York Knicks may have an opportunity to trade an expiring contract for a first-round draft pick. While I’m of the belief that Kyle O’Quinn has long-term value, there’s an undeniable chance that he’ll be lost to free agency in just five months time.

Thus, the Knicks cash in on this opportunity to execute a trade for a first-round draft pick and an opportunity to improve their future.

Nick Young could help the Knicks score in the half court and transition, but his inclusion is more about making the numbers line up than anything else. This trade is all about the first-round draft pick, which the Knicks could realistically acquire.

The Warriors are reportedly interested in trading for O’Quinn, and New York could conceivably acquire their first-round draft pick to make it happen.

O’Quinn is an elite rebounder, a gifted passer, and a productive shot-blocker who can help the Warriors address their weak interior. Golden State ranks No. 22 in points allowed in the paint per 100 possessions and No. 26 in second chance points allowed per 100 possessions.

As for the Knicks, acquiring the final pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft would mean creating an opportunity to replace O’Quinn with a cost-controlled player.

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