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2 trades Knicks can make to move up in 2022 NBA Draft

By Chris Gallagher

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Alec Burks
Alec Burks, New York Knicks. (Photo by: Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports) /

Trade No. 1: New York buys into this year’s top prospects

The first trade that I’m going to propose here makes sense, but I’m unsure how likely it is to happen. Despite that, I’m going to propose this as I would want this trade to happen, and it is based on information that I have seen, so here it goes:

Before you all crucify me and say that this is an overpay, it is not. The No. 11 overall pick is not that valuable. The majority of the NBA draft is a gamble. Almost every year, you’ll find a guy picked in the top 3 who does not live up to the hype.

The Knicks would receive the No. 4 overall pick and would get to draft a top talent to pair with the rest of their young core, while also taking Justin Holiday back. Holiday is a solid defender who would return to New York, where he seemed to really embrace the fans well. The Knicks could also move Holiday again or release him due to his expiring contract, which would help their logjam at the wing.

Here, the real prize is getting one of the “dream prospects” in this draft class in Jabari Smith Jr., Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, or Jaden Ivey. The latter would fit in well with New York and is an excellent defender. He has the potential to become a similar player to Ja Morant and is a human highlight film. For my money, I’m going to guess that the selection would be Ivey.

The Kings would bring Alec Burks back to Sactown while gaining draft capital so that they could make their move for an established star.

I could have put Randle here for Sacramento, but the Kings probably want someone better in exchange for a top five draft pick and in this scenario, they would have an increased amount of draft capital to make a trade. Burks also adds spot-up shooting, which Sacramento desperately needs.

I do not see this trade happening, but it could be mutually beneficial. If the Knicks can acquire the fourth pick, it would show a sense of direction in a rebuild that is already decently far along.

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