The New York Knicks reportedly talked to the Portland Trail Blazers about acquiring one of their first-round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The Portland Trail Blazers have three first-round picks (15, 20, 26) in the 2017 NBA Draft and they likely don’t want to bring three rookies in next season as they already have 12 players on salary for next season. The New York Knicks are reportedly attempting to relieve the Blazers of one of those picks.According to Sean Deveny of The Sporting News, New York has talked to Portland about acquiring one of those three first-round picks.
ESPN New York’s Ian Begley confirmed the report and said one scenario could include an additional player being sent from Portland. Per Begley, it’s unclear as to who the Knicks would send in a potential trade.
That the pick could be used on Knicks favorite Justin Jackson. Jackson, scheduled to workout for New York, is projected as a late lottery pick. The Knicks could presumably get him with the No. 15 pick and if their lucky, No. 20.
Carmelo Anthony‘s name will also be thrown out there in trade rumors. Portland could use a third option as a scorer behind their phenomenal backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.
The Blazers are in a different place than the Knicks. They aren’t looking to rebuild. A veteran scorer could be something on their mind.