Despite recent trade rumors linking the New York Knicks to Andre Drummond, the team is reportedly opposed to trading away first-round picks.
The New York Knicks have major decisions ahead with the Feb. 6 trade deadline rapidly approaching. SNY’s Ian Begley reports that the Knicks remain “opposed” to trading away first-round draft picks for any trades “under consideration.”
The Knicks have not traded away any first-round draft choices since the disastrous 2013 deal that sent a first-rounder and a pair of second-round picks to the Toronto Raptors for Andrea Bargnani.
Begley’s report comes after reports stated the Knicks were interested in trading for two-time All-Star center Andre Drummond, who the Pistons are looking to move. In fact, Begley reported Saturday that New York’s talks with Detroit were more of a “check-in” than it was serious trade negotiations.
For a Knicks team still rebuilding, holding onto their first-round picks makes sense.
If the season ended today, the Knicks would finish with the third-worst record in the NBA, which with the new lottery odds, would give New York a 14% chance at the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors would have the same odds at landing the top pick.
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This is an opportunity that New York cannot afford to trade away for Drummond, nor can they afford to surrender any future first-rounders. The Knicks are in possession of six first-round selections in the next four drafts.
With a roster that is mixed with several young players and veterans on one-year contracts, the Knicks are not in a position to make a blockbuster trade.