A day before the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks are reportedly looking to move up for University of Texas big man, Mo Bamba.
Ian Begley of ESPN reported that the Knicks were looking to move up, while Jonathan Givnoy of Draft Express noted that the talks were with the Memphis Grizzlies, who hold the No. 4 pick.
Ian's report is accurate. The Knicks are reportedly exploring the option of trading up to the #4 spot in the draft, currently owned by Memphis. The Grizzlies have been adamant about shedding Chandler Parsons' contract in any deal. https://t.co/z4Yp0w6hfq
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 20, 2018
Marc Berman of the New York Post also added fuel to this rumor with the same information.
Source confirms Knicks met with Bamba today. David Fizdale was at hotel where players were staying today and met the Harlem native. Memphis shopping 4th pick fervently.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) June 20, 2018
Of course, we also have to wonder if this would even land Bamba.
The Knicks are not the only team interested in him. The Chicago Bulls have reportedly explored the idea of moving up to the No. 3 pick, held by the Atlanta Hawks, for Mamba (which you can read about here).
The Sacramento Kings could also throw a wrench into things by taking Bamba No. 2 overall, or trading the pick to a team that would.
Bamba has also reportedly made it known that he’s not interested in the Grizzlies. That would, at least theoretically, make them a little more likely to trade out of the No. 4 spot. This would be especially true if a team is willing to take on Chandler Parsons’ deal.
Of course, there are frequently rumblings like this in the build to the NBA Draft. It’s frequently hard to separate fact from fiction.
Until Bamba is taken, expect this story to remain fluid.