Knicks Draft: Why buying an extra pick makes sense

Adding an extra pick for cash could help bring in more young talent for the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks had the fifth-youngest roster in the NBA last year, and the front office likely wants to accumulate more budding talent in the upcoming draft. While the team already owns three separate picks, it seems like the possibility of adding another might not be so far-fetched.

According to Jonathan Macri of Knicks Film School, the Knicks are looking into buying an extra second round pick this year.

A contending team might not want to pay an inexperienced player in the second round and instead use that money to help improve their roster in the near-term, thus trading away their selection for cash. The Knicks participated in a version of this last year, using cash to move up eight spots in the second round in order to draft Ignas Brazdeikis.

Many quality players have had their careers sent into motion by trading a pick for cash. Sharpshooter Kyle Korver was drafted by the New Jersey Nets with the 51st pick in 2003, immediately getting sent to the Philadelphia 76ers. In return, the Nets received money that they used to pay for summer league expenses and buy a copy machine.

Four-time All-Star Rajon Rondo was selected by the Phoenix Suns back in 2006, but was instantly traded to the Boston Celtics for a future pick. The Suns then sold that future pick for cash considerations.

Giving up cash for draft picks is the type of low-risk, high-reward move that the Knicks should absolutely look into. With their abundance of cap space and underwhelming free agency class, the opportunity to take a shot on a young player towards the end of the draft has never been more glaring.

If team president Leon Rose ends up pulling the trigger on a deal to get back into the draft, there are a lot of intriguing options that should be available.

Marquette point guard Markus Howard led the entire NCAA in scoring at 27.8 points per game while shooting 41% from three. However, his 5’11” height and poor defense should cause him to fall until late in the second round.

Charleston shooting guard Grant Riller represents another possible target, averaging 21.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game on impressive 50-36-83 shooting splits. However, he’ll be turning 24 next season and his age leaves many questioning how high his potential ceiling is.

On November 18th, the Knicks will have the opportunity to add a new wave of young talent to their roster. They should heavily consider using their excess cash to add an extra draft pick or two.