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New York Knicks: Realistic goals for the 2018 NBA trade deadline

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Boise State’s Chandler Hutchison gets a step on UNLV’s Amauri Hardy, left, in the second half on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho. The host Broncos won, 93-91, in overtime. (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman/TNS via Getty Images)
Boise State’s Chandler Hutchison gets a step on UNLV’s Amauri Hardy, left, in the second half on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho. The host Broncos won, 93-91, in overtime. (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman/TNS via Getty Images) /

2. Acquire Draft Picks

The New York Knicks are currently on pace to have one first-round draft pick and two second-round selections. That’s an appealing combination of assets for any franchise to possess, let alone one that has neglected the NBA Draft for far too long.

For as appealing as that may be, the Knicks should set out with a specific goal: Acquire more draft picks and turn June 21 into a prospect harvest.

As previously alluded to, New York hasn’t retained the rights to its first-round draft pick on an even year since 2008. That’s five separate examples of the Knicks taking the NBA Draft for granted, and five separate examples of it setting itself back by doing so.

Not only would Carmelo Anthony have received help in the form of up-and-coming players turned established veterans, but the Knicks would’ve had more financial freedom.

If nothing else, New York should attempt to acquire a first-round draft pick to make up for lost time. Making up for the Andrea Bargnani trade is another fine reason for action, but the truth is that the Knicks don’t need an excuse.

As New York attempts to create a healthier culture, having impressionable basketball minds and efficient contracts will be crucial to the vision.

Thankfully, New York has already added a pair of second-round draft picks—and it shouldn’t stop there.

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