New York Knicks: Five reasons to not trade 2019 draft pick
1. The potential (and likely) regret
The New York Knicks have been tied to regret with trading first-round draft picks since the started liberally moving them in the early 2000s. From losing Gordon Hayward, LaMarcus Aldridge and Joakim Noah in these transactions, this team frequently had chances to accumulate top players in the draft, only to squander them on Eddy Curry or Stephon Marbury.
None of these picks became the No. 1 pick, however. The Knicks can’t trade this selection until after the draft lottery, given the recently-passed trade deadline, but for them to knowingly move this when it will become Zion Williamson has the potential to doom this franchise forever.
Yes. Forever.
Of course, it’s all a big “if.” If Williamson becomes the superstar everyone dreams of and takes over the NBA in LeBron James-esque fashion, he’s a hall of fame talent. No question. The Knicks will then endure that history, especially if the superstar they acquire doesn’t stay or never leads them to a championship.
Even other prospects have the chance to make this a regrettable pick to move. RJ Barrett could become a 20 to 25 point scorer. Ja Morant might be the long-term point guard this franchise has desperately needed. Rui Hachimura even has fascinating upside.
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Williamson offers the most “regret” potential, but these players could still make the Knicks think twice of trading this draft choice elsewhere. It’s a risky play for the front office based on history, so will they stick to those that sit atop this draft?