Trade up opportunities for the Knicks in the 2020 NBA Draft
While Knicks fans cycle through the seven stages of grief and the media continues to revel in the team’s misfortunes following the disappointing lottery draw, all is not lost. The chances of LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards (or James Wiseman, if you’re into that sorta thing) donning the orange and blue are now slim to none, but there are a bevy of intriguing players that should be available at the eighth pick. However, that is not the only pick the Knicks will have in the first round this year.
Yes, the trade that saw the ankle-stepping, basketball-bonking, female tendencies-flubbing artist known as Marcus Morris Sr. go to Los Angeles was able to net the Knicks the Clippers’ first round pick, No. 27 overall (as well as the Pistons’ second round pick next year and the option to swap picks with the Clippers in 2021 — go Scott Perry!). Add this pick to the Hornets’ 2020 second round pick the Knicks own (No. 38 overall), and now we can see the Knicks will have several avenues to maneuver through this draft with.
The history
Following the seeding games in the NBA Bubble, the Clippers pick finds itself at 27. Despite the pick being on the cusp of the second round, that spot seems to be some sort of good luck charm, because the pick regularly produces solid rotation players — or in the case of Utah’s Rudy Gobert and Toronto’s Pascal Siakam, All-Star level talent. (Hmm… I wonder if there was a team that recently picked up scouting and development gurus from the Jazz?)
While pick 38 is not as star-studded as pick 27, there is still a solid history of finding good talent this late in the draft, including crypto-currency con artist and avid Knick hater Spencer Dinwiddie, as well as two-time finesse Hall of Famer Chandler Parsons (and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Warriors three-peat king Patrick McCaw).
With Perrin’s eye for talent in the later rounds of the draft, the resumes of development that assistant coaches Johnnie Bryant and Kenny Payne bring, and new head coach Tom Thibodeau being known for maximizing his talent, it is not out of the realm of possibility that one or both of these picks end up being solid contributors for the Knicks, especially given the fact that the team has hit on their last three second-round picks (I’m buying Iggy stock, damn it!).
What can the Knicks do?
Picks 27, 38, and cash considerations may be good on their own — but in a package, they could be intriguing to teams in the vicinity of their pick. Based on previous drafts, with a pick in the mid-late 20s or the 30th pick, you can potentially move up 2-5 spots in the draft. Occasionally, a team can move up into the 20s with just a second round pick and cash considerations, which the financial ramifications of COVID-19 could certainly put into play. Of the teams picking ahead of the Knicks, the ones that stand out as potential trade partners are Miami, Utah, and Boston.
Miami
With 2021 free agency quickly approaching (otherwise known as the Giannis sweepstakes), Miami is trying to leave their books as clear as possible in an attempt to throw their hat into the ring. Since Miami does not own picks in the stacked 2021 draft, a trade down could give them extra chances at molding the next Duncan Robinson or Kendrick Nunn — rotation players playing well above their contracts. While moving up seven spots may be a bit ambitious, the Knicks also have Dennis Smith Jr. and Kevin Knox as pieces potentially on the table (Heat fans don't seem to mind the idea either). Miami’s game plan has been very simple — shooting, defense and length. Goran Dragic is 34 and may be looking for more than a one-year contract, so he could be lost in free agency. A potential career backup point guard with a high floor like Malachi Flynn or a big body forward like Tyler Bey could be available past the 20th pick and add to their philosophy. However, this would depend on if good ol’ Pat Riley still has a soft spot for his old team (and maybe a fax machine to send the offer).
Utah
The Jazz do not have a second in this year’s draft, and with Jordan Clarkson facing unrestricted free agency, they could find themselves in a hole with only the No. 23 pick and no Walt Perrin evaluating talent to help fill out their bench. As a favor to some old friends, the Knicks can graciously offer Nos. 27 and 38 as a “thank you” and give the Jazz a chance to find some gems such as Jaden McDaniels, who slid down mock boards following a disappointing freshman campaign, or Killian Tille, who would be a sure-fire first round talent if not due to injuries. Two opportunities to get meaningful contributors while Donovan Mitchell’s future in Utah grows more and more complicated might be their best opportunity at retooling for the Jazz.
Boston
With COVID-19 looming in the background of the cap projections, the Celtics having three first round picks (which are all guaranteed salaries the first two years) and facing a luxury tax hit may not be a good combination for them with Jayson Tatum’s rookie extension right around the corner. Swapping Nos. 27, 38 and cash with 26 and 30, or taking 26 for cash considerations outright could benefit both teams, giving the Knicks another stab at the draft and allowing the Cs to still get the player they desire one spot lower, while not taking on any more salary than they need to. With Brad Wanamaker hitting restricted free agency, the Celtics could be interested in going younger and grabbing a solid backup point guard like Tre Jones or a ceiling potential selection in Nico Mannion.
One day, the 2020 NBA Draft will happen (I think?), and no matter where they draft, the new Knicks front office will be tasked with laying down the groundwork for an eventual championship-contending team. Hopefully this draft will be the first step towards achieving that goal.
