This time a week from now, New York Knicks fans will know the results of the 2022 NBA Draft. The main question right now is: Will the Knicks stay at No. 11 or trade up to No. 4 for Jaden Ivey?
On NBA Countdown on Thursday night ahead of Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that there are “a lot of teams” working to get a trade done with the Sacramento Kings.
The odds didn’t fall in New York’s favor during the draft lottery because Ivey will be long gone by the time that the Knicks make their pick at No. 11. But that’s only if the team doesn’t trade up.
With the draft being in six days, New York’s front office is likely working to put together a package at this very minute. For several teams around the league, it’s a race to the finish line. The prize is the No. 4 pick and Ivey. Who’s going to prevail?
Will the Knicks trade up in the 2022 NBA Draft for guard Jaden Ivey?
Wojnarowski named a few teams that have shown interest in Ivey. Detroit (No. 5 pick), Indiana (No. 6 pick), Washington (No. 10 pick), and of course New York are the four teams that he mentioned by name. He also said that teams “outside of the lottery” are interested.
As a projected top four pick, Ivey won’t come at a cheap price. Woj said:
"“Sacramento’s asking price is going to be significant to move in there. I think they see this as essentially a four player draft. There’s a drop off after four. Monte McNair, their GM, you can expect him to be on the phones in this next week as we get closer to Thursday’s draft. If they’re going to move that pick, I think they expect to get a lot in return.”"
He also mentioned that teams have already reached out to Sacramento and that talks would increase over the next week.
You can’t help but wonder who the Knicks will offer up in return for Ivey. Julius Randle? Quentin Grimes? Immanuel Quickley? Obi Toppin? The Kings won’t be satisfied with a Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks, and Derrick Rose trio.
Notice how RJ Barrett wasn’t mentioned. If Sacramento’s bold enough to ask for Barrett, Leon Rose should hang up the phone immediately. The line should be drawn at the No. 3 pick in the 2019 draft.
The next six days will be extremely telling. Will Ivey be donning an orange and blue cap a week from now?
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