While the 2020 NBA Draft order is not yet set, the New York Knicks are already setting contingency plans in place should they not land one of the top picks. As it stands, the Knicks are sixth in the draft lottery with a 9.0% chance of moving into the top spot and a 37.2% chance of moving into the top four.
In a draft that is particularly top-heavy, the Knicks are reportedly already discussing possible trades to move up with one specific player in mind.
From The Mercury News’ Wes Goldberg:
I spoke recently with NBA draft expert Chad Ford, and he seems to believe there would be one team in the market to trade up should the ping-pong balls not fall their way: the New York Knicks. Specifically, Ford said, for LaMelo Ball. Ball, a genius playmaker with star potential, would provide the Knicks with a much-needed identity on offense.
The Knicks do have a large amount of draft capital thanks to the trades of Kristaps Porzingis and Marcus Morris in recent seasons. As it stands currently, the Knicks will not be sending out a first round pick while they hold the rights to the Mavericks’ first rounders in 2021 and 2023.
They also hold the Clippers’ 2020 first round pick as well as the right to pick swap with them in 2021. The Knicks also hold there other additional second round picks, though they are sending out two of their own in coming seasons.
The draft assets paired with the young players on New York’s roster does give the Knicks the ability to move up, though it would likely come at a steep price. But stockpiling assets to turn them into one big asset is the end goal and if the Knicks feel like LaMelo Ball is that type of player, which is the signal they have been putting out so far, then it could be a move worth making.
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