New York Knicks: A recent history of traded first-round picks

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CHICAGO – NOVEMBER 28: Eddy Curry #34 of the New York Knicks looks to move the ball in the post against Ben Wallace #3 of the Chicago Bulls November 28, 2006 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won 102-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Knicks acquire: Eddy Curry, Antonio Davis and a 2007 first round pick

Bulls acquire: Jermaine Jackson, Michael Sweetney, Tim Thomas, a 2006 first round pick, a 2007 first round pick, a 2007 second round pick and a 2009 second round pick

In the weeks before the 2005-06 season, the New York Knicks made their second trade with the Chicago Bulls in a span of eight weeks. The acquisition of Jamal Crawford, which came second, did not include any draft picks, but Eddy Curry, the young big man, indeed featured not one but two first-rounders.

The Knicks sent three role players—Jermaine Jackson, Michael Sweetney and Tim Thomas—to the Bulls to acquire Curry and Antonio Davis, but that hardly made a dent. They also traded a 2006 first round pick, swapped 2007 first round picks and gave away two more second-round picks.

Curry always had the offensive skill, strength and some athleticism to flash greatness. However, defensive questions, weight concern and a publicly-known irregular heartbeat—which happened before the trade—followed him out the door in Chicago.

Curry was paid well, and even had a career year with the Knicks in his first season, with 19.5 points and 7 rebounds per game in 81 appearances. However, in his final three years in the Big Apple, he played just 69 games, 10 of which happened in the last two campaigns.

The Knicks selected Wilson Chandler with Chicago’s pick in 2007, so that worked out fine and contributed towards the Carmelo Anthony deal. But the 2006 pick turned into LaMarcus Aldridge and Joakim Noah became the 2007 selection.

Knicks fans may not think anything of Noah now, but he was once a defensive force and leader of the Chicago Bulls in the early 2010s. Aldridge became the face of the Portland Trail Blazers for nine years before he took his all-pro skills to the San Antonio Spurs and found more success.

These two players had the chance to star in New York’s frontcourt for a decade and not make them lean into free agency and these questionable trades. While Curry had some value at the time, he came with baggage, cost plenty in compensation and the organization had to pay him a lucrative five-year deal. Suffice to say, it did not work out.

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