There has been a buzz around the league for a while that the Knicks have been looking for a way to trade into the bottom of the first round somehow.
What are they dangling out there to interest teams?
Iman Shumpert, So reports Marc Stein at ESPN.
Hearing: Knicks have explored possibility of swapping Iman Shumpert for late first-round pick heading into Thursday's draft
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 23, 2014
Links to OKC are inevitable when subject of Shumpert comes up after OKC showed interest in defensive specialist at trade deadline
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 23, 2014
Why? To get point guard Tyler Ennis or swingman P.J. Hairston, according to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com.
The Thunder tend not to trade their picks, thinking they have the system to develop players, and that has worked out well with Jeremy Lamb and Reggie Jackson. They are more likely to keep this pick than trade it.
But I’d be surprised in one team doesn’t jump at the potential of Shumpert, if that deal is really out there on the table. For all his regression and flaws, Shumpert is likely better than anyone you find at the bottom of the first round (although I do like Hairston). Besides, it’s one year before he’s a restricted free agent, if it doesn’t work out let another team poach him with an offer.