One way or another, the New York Knicks have to find a point guard this NBA offseason to run the team. It has been a thorn in their side for years and it is about time for them to address it aggressively.
While there has been a lot of chatter about New York finding a point guard in free agency, as they have been heavily linked to Jalen Brunson, they could also find their man in a trade. Could that trade come during the 2022 NBA Draft?
The Knicks had a ho-hum 2022 Draft Lottery, as they entered in the 11th spot and stayed there. While there have been some excellent players selected 11th overall in recent years, New York reportedly has their eyes on a bigger prize closer to the top of the draft board.
According to the New York Post, the New York Knicks are eyeing Purdue superstar, Jaden Ivey.
“In the first clue that the Knicks have at least explored moving up in the upcoming NBA draft from No. 11, team brass interviewed Purdue sophomore combo guard Jaden Ivey at the draft combine in Chicago.
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The uber-athletic, 6-foot-4 Ivey is considered a top-five pick and has been ranked no lower than sixth in the top mock drafts. The Post previously reported the New York Knicks had the 20-year-old on their radar as they look to fill a vacancy at starting point guard.”
There is virtually no chance that Jaden Ivey slides down the draft board to the Knicks, so a trade-up is the only conceivable way they can make that happen. There have been some reports that Ivey could go as high as No. 2 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which would render this a moot point for the orange and blue.
LATEST NBA DRAFT NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Realistic NBA Free Agent Targets For New York Knicks
But, if the top-three goes Jabari Smith Jr., Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero in some order, the Knicks could look to swing a deal with the Sacramento Kings, who moved into the fourth spot during the lottery. Sacramento is desperately looking to snap their 16-year playoff drought and would be open to moving the pick for an established player.
If the Knicks are serious about trading Julius Randle, he could be involved in a package for the fourth pick. Ivey is also a CAA client and represented by Aaron Mintz, who is good friends with Leon Rose, who helps lead the Knicks’ front office.
LATEST NBA DRAFT NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Realistic NBA Free Agent Targets For New York Knicks
Could they try and push teams away and guide Jaden Ivey to the New York Knicks? Obi Toppin is also a CAA client and he fell to No. 8 during the 2020 NBA Draft after many expected him to be a top-five pick. Can Ivey meet a similar fate and fall right into the Knicks’ laps? Brass would certainly be excited by that as they need some fresh blood at the point guard position.
