The first NBA Draft trade happened yesterday afternoon, and the New York Knicks could be up next.
Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the trade yesterday – The Memphis Grizzlies agreed to trade Jonas Valanciunas and 2021 picks 17 and 5 to New Orleans in exchange for Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, 2021 picks 10, 40, and a protected 2022 first-round pick via the Lakers. Rumors had been circulating that the Pelicans were looking to shop Bledsoe and their 10th pick in an effort to clear more cap space, and the Grizzlies were the team that pounced.
Could the New York Knicks be next?
New York Knicks among the likely “trade-up” teams in the NBA Draft
Before the trade happened yesterday, DraftExpress founder and current ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givnoy Tweeted out that two teams that could shake things up are the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks.
The two teams that could really shake things up are the Knicks and Thunder. Both have significant financial flexibility to absorb bad contracts as well as multiple picks to package and potentially move up. Their front offices will likely be busy fielding calls this week. https://t.co/uRW24LCZ4C
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) July 26, 2021
We have been talking about this for awhile now, but redunant reports and articles seem to be the norm when it comes to the early stages of the NBA offseason.
The New York Knicks have been talked about as a a team to watch for in trading up in the draft, and it’s easy to see why.
Armed with picks 19,21,32 – they have the draft capital to make a move.
We already saw the team make maneuvers in last year’s draft when they traded up and down the bottom of the first round before selecting Immanuel Quickley.
As of now – the most talked about draft targets for NY seem to be: Chris Duarte and Trey Murphy III. Other 1st round prospects who have made contact with the team through interview or workouts are Jaden Springer and Tre Mann.
None of these names seem to be ideal trade-up targets.
Who are thea names to watch if New York makes a move up? Probably James Bouknight, Moses Moody, and Davion Mitchell.
The draft is July 29th, and we’ll get some answers soon.