Knicks Rumors: Obi Toppin a potential trade up target?

The New York Knicks could be looking to move up in the lottery.

After the New York Knicks swung a deal with the Utah Jazz to move up to the 23rd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, giving up the 27th and 38th picks in the process, speculation immediately started to build about whether this was the first step in a larger effort to move up in the lottery.

The Knicks are currently slotted to pick 8th overall, a pick that could leave them with plenty of intriguing options to add a wing player like Auburn’s Isaac Okoro or a point guard such as Alabama’s Kira Lewis Jr.

However, multiple reports indicate the Knicks are keen on trading up, perhaps to select Dayton power forward Obi Toppin.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reports the Cavs have had trade talks with the Knicks about their 5th pick. He reports Toppin as “New York’s trade-up target.”

Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated later reported the Knicks are making a “serious push” to package their 8th and newfound 23rd pick to move up in the lottery.

There is good reason to believe the Knicks front office led by former CAA big wig Leon Rose would have interest in Toppin. The 22-year-old is represented by CAA and has been training with Rick Brunson and Dejuan Wagner, who is close with Knicks executive William Wesley.

Some within the Knicks organization reportedly like Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton, who could also provide incentive for New York to move up, but SNY reports the fondness for Haliburton is not uniform, as it seems to be for Toppin.

The Knicks have also been linked to Florida State’s Devin Vassell, who could be available if the Knicks stand pat and select 8th overall.

Please continue to check back as more information becomes available.