The New York Knicks have the No. 8 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, where they will likely add someone such as Jonathan Issac or Dennis Smith or Lauri Markkanen.
However, the Knicks are not done, they would like to add another pick to the mix later in the first round and are talking with Portland about that, reports Ian Begley of ESPN.As evidenced by their recent -- and ongoing -- trade discussions with the Portland Trail Blazers, members of the Knicks’ front office are seeking to acquire an additional draft pick.
One source described talks between the Knicks and Blazers as “fluid,” with several different proposals -- as is the case with most trade discussions. One scenario discussed involved the Knicks taking back a player -- and Maurice Harkless’ name was among those that came up.
The Trail Blazers have the 15th, 20th, and 26th pick in the Draft and are not a team looking to bring three rookies into training camp — if one team will be active with trades on draft night, it will be Portland. The question is what would the Knicks give up to get that pick? This is not a team with a lot of talent on the roster other teams covet.
Begley also repeats the rumor that at least some with the Knicks are looking to acquire Ricky Rubio this summer.
Rubio played arguably the best basketball of his career after the All-Star break this past summer, with his jumper finally falling. Add to that the fact the Timberwolves do not have another point guard to trust on the roster (Kris Dunn has not panned out so far) and Tom Thibodeau’s Timberwolves should not be looking to move Rubio unless a team wildly overpays to get him. Which means it’s possible because these are the Knicks.
But a trade for a draft pick seems far more likely.