The New York Knicks continue to be linked to Duke forward R.J. Barrett with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
A selection of this ilk likely wouldn’t entice top-end free agents to the long downtrodden organization. Given that the Knicks are hoping to be big-time players in free agency, a move out of the third spot makes sense.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, that could very well happen. The NBA insider notes that New York is considering a move down from the third spot with the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for two top-10 picks (eighth and 10th overall).
Givony notes that this would be a way for New York to add even more assets as a way to lure free agents.
Whether a trade of this ilk could even be on the table depends on a lot of factors.
What got us here: This isn’t like last year’s draft.
First two picks: They are already etched in stone.
Would this help the Knicks: We’re not too sure what the plan is.
As the Knicks look to rebuild an organization that’s seen irrelevant in the NBA, what they do in June’s draft will be telling.
A trade of this ilk would signify larger things ahead in the offseason.