1. Sacramento Kings
Some people believe the 2022 NBA Draft truly starts when the Sacramento Kings come on the clock with the No. 4 overall pick. There seems to be a general consensus that the top-three picks will be in some order of Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero.
There have been some reports that Jaden Ivey would intrigue the Oklahoma City Thunder enough to select him second overall, but the New York Knicks are certainly hoping that is not the case. Should Ivey still be available, they need to be on the phone with the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings are desperate to snap its 16-year playoff drought. They would love to swing a deal that lands them more established talent to help make that happen. New York could offer Julius Randle and the No. 11 pick in a package that brings the fourth pick back to the Knicks.
As currently constructed, the Knicks should be looking to move as far up the draft as possible to land a top-flight point guard prospect. Ivey would be that player. Even if it does cost them Randle and the 11th pick to deal with the Kings, it is a move that could set the team up for success down the road for many years to come.
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Out of the teams in the range to select Ivey, the Kings are the only one with any interest in moving down. The Knicks need to work the phones and facilitate a deal with them as long as Ivey isn’t selected in the top three.
