The New York Knicks are eyeing a deal. Phil Jackson has admitted that he is impatient when it comes to rebuilding and while a top draft pick is certainly nice, established players are better. With the No.4 pick in the draft, the Knicks could get something nice in return if they make it available. With the NBA Draft a week away, could the Denver Nuggets help New York out with a trade?
According to ESPN's Chad Ford, the Denver Nuggets are making both Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried available in trades as they target a higher draft pick. The Nuggets currently make their first pick at No.7, but want something more. Ford is reporting that at the moment, the Nuggets are aiming for the Sacramento Kings with intention of acquiring DeMarcus Cousins. However, the Kings have come out and said they are not dealing the center unless Michael Jordan becomes available. Could the Knicks make a move?
According to ESPN New York's Ian Begley, the Knicks are shopping the No.4 pick assuming that Jahlil Okafor, Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell will be gone. Begley writes the Knicks are not sold on the idea of drafting someone like Emmanuel Mudiay or Justise Winslow at No.4 and would prefer to move down the board. No.7 would be the ideal spot to land someone like Frank Kaminsky, Cameron Payne or Kevon Looney.
Getting Lawson and Faried fill needs for the Knicks. Lawson would be a solid point guard to pair with Langston Galloway who will be entering his first full season with the team. Having the veteran, rookie combo at the position could be ideal for New York. Meanwhile, Faried would offer the defensive presence the Knicks lacked last year. With Andrea Bargnani potentially heading out, Faried would be a solid option on the court.
The Knicks could simply stay put and draft at No.4. According to Ford's latest mock draft, the Knicks will be selecting Russell assuming the Philadelphia 76ers take Kristaps Porzingis. The Knicks have been eyeing the Latvia power forward as well with the No.4 pick, but again are not solid on him being worth that high of a draft selection. Jackson is going to explore every option in front of him in order to build a better team. New York cannot have another downfall season or he could be headed elsewhere as well.