Knicks Rumors: NY can possibly trade up into Top 8 of 2021 NBA Draft

I love a good NY Knicks rumor during Draft SZN!

For us as fans to predict what direction(s) the Knicks go in this offseason is near impossible because of the flexibility the front office has created for the team.

Seeing how they’re 1-2 years ahead of their rebuild, they’re essentially playing with house money…but now is the time to double down on their efforts and try to build a contender.

I can’t imagine a world where the Knicks actually draft more than 1 or 2 rookies with any of the 4 picks they’ve got this year, but I’ve written recently exploring who they could target if they do at pick 19 and pick 21.

It seems that the Knicks will be moving at the very least one of their first 3 picks per Ian Begley of SNY.

Should the NY Knicks move up into the top 8 of the 2021 NBA Draft?

Begley also explored the idea of the Knicks combining picks 19, 21, and 32 and how high the 3 picks could get them in this year’s draft.

Per Begley’s article:

"“I can’t see them carrying three rookies on the roster (next year),” a member of an opposing organization said this week.What could the Knicks get if they packaged No. 19, No. 21, and No. 32?“That would probably get you into the top eight, depending on what happens (during Tuesday’s lottery),” one opposing exec said, speculating on the potential trade."

So apparently the Knicks could get all the way up into the top 8 of this year’s draft…and even if they get up to pick #9 or even #10 I’d personally be happy.

There are several players I think would flourish on the Knicks such as Baylor’s Davion Mitchell, Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert, and Arkansas’ Moses Moody that are all projected to go in that vicinity.

Begley went on to say:

"Of course, the Knicks could also look to package those picks in a trade for a star player. Including this draft, New York has five first-round picks in the next three drafts. So the club has plenty of draft capital to use in a trade.If a star like Damian Lillard somehow becomes available via trade, New York would have to offer that draft capital in any trade conversations with Portland.You also have to wonder if the Knicks’ internal expectations for 2021-22 have changed after they finished No. 4 in the Eastern Conference.If the Knicks feel an internal pressure to build on last season’s success, it’s easy to see why they would look to trade their picks in pursuit of a player who can help them win now."

I think by now, the readers of these articles understand the love I have for Damian Lillard as I’ve explored trades for him on several occasions.

I think the Knicks moving their picks for Dame would be wise, but only if it were one of several moves to improve on last year’s success.

I like the idea of moving up in this draft because there are just so many proven players available that can contribute today and for the long term.

What say you, Knicks fans?

What would you like the team to do this year with their picks?