Daily Knicks
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3 Increasingly bold moves Knicks can make to cause draft chaos

By Jordanna Clark

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 22: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Miami-Dade Arena on March 22, 2023 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 22: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Miami-Dade Arena on March 22, 2023 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo by Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports) – New York Knicks /

1: Trade for Zion Williamson

It’s been over four years since the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery revealed that the Knicks would have the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft and therefore miss out on selecting Zion Williamson. Between the drama that’s been surrounding Zion and Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension for 2023-24, selecting RJ Barrett was a blessing in disguise for New York.

There hasn’t been any chatter about the Grizzlies shopping Ja, but the same can’t be said for the Pelicans and Zion. Bill Simmons said on his podcast that a reliable source he spoke to believes that Zion won’t be on New Orleans’ roster come Thursday, the day of the draft. If that’s true, New York could be weighing the pros and cons of taking on him and the supermax contract that he signed last year.

If the Knicks do trade for Zion, they wouldn’t be doing so to receive a 2023 pick in return. Instead, New York would be sending first-round picks to New Orleans. Regardless, Zion being traded to the Knicks would be more than enough to overshadow the draft’s festivities, especially if it happens between now and Thursday night.

None of this is to say that New York should consider adding Zion, but maybe the Knicks believe that they could help set the 22-year-old on the right path. It wouldn’t come without taking a huge risk, though.

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