New York Knicks, NBA draft Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung / Getty Images
4. Trade with LaMelo Ball
The Knicks have been looking for a point guard since Clyde Frazier was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1977. The stars were lining up for LaMelo Ball to be that guy.
With him and his family history in the spotlight, Ball looks ready for the high profile job of the Knicks rookie point guard (savior). Ball and his team were even expected to push for a move to New York. As a bonus, fans have already fallen in love with him.
In a perfect world, we would all be talking about the inevitability of Ball’s arrival in New York right now. But we all know that’s not how things work with the Knicks.
The top-rated point guard in the draft is unlikely to fall in the top four. At pick n. 8, the Knicks are out of reach to catch the ball. They should have traded to get it.
The most likely trading partner in the top four would be the Golden State Warriors. With Steph Curry and Klay Thompson returning next season, they plan to return to championship contention. But drawing LaMelo Ball and trading resources to get it are two completely different things.
The ball is not a sure thing, and the Warriors would likely require Mitchell Robinson and a future first-round pick in any rally. I know Knicks fans love increasing Kevin Knox’s commercial value, but he’s not giving you second pick in any draft.
Rose and her staff will consider trading for Ball – rumored to be the No. 1 on the board – but I think the price will be too high for them. Keeping all of their assets for next year’s draft is the right move.
