The New York Knicks have zero draft picks for the 2023 NBA draft. Find out how they can get back into play.
It may have been a month ago, but I can still feel the disappointment of Knicks fans post the draft lottery. For some reason, the NBA gods decided not to punish the Dallas Mavericks for obvious tanking toward the end of the season. The Knicks lost a draft pick for tampering with Jalen Brunson, who the Mavericks had every chance to sign and keep on their roster, but instead got off scot-free for resting healthy players with playoff seeding on the line. Make it make sense!
As a result, the Knicks have zero draft picks, and for them to get back into the first or second round, it would have to be via trade. Here is SNY’s Ian Begley’s thoughts when asked about the probability of the Knicks acquiring draft picks via trade:
“I can’t see it. They punted on the 2022 NBA Draft and they don’t have a clear path for a rookie to enter the rotation at this point. So I would be surprised if they made a trade for the sole purpose of acquiring a 2023 first-rounder.”
While I generally agree with Begley, every team has multiple plans and contingencies to address the offseason and upgrade their rosters.
The Knicks have a surplus of young talent. Specifically, talent that has not always seen the court consistently. Obi Toppin and Deuce McBride come to mind. Ultimately, I believe the Knicks would rather move either player as part of a larger deal to bring in a proven star to pair with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. If that doesn’t happen, the Knicks will need reset the rookie contract scale timeline or risk losing Toppin and McBride as free agents.
For examples of how the Knicks could get back into the first round, you only have to look back to the 2021 draft. In fact, it was other teams, like the Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Hornets that looked into making draft day trades with the Knicks to get more draft capital in the first round.
The Knicks had both the 19th and 21st picks in the first round. The Hornets traded a future first-round pick for the chance to select Texas’ Kai Jones, and the Clippers traded a 2024 second-round pick (via Detroit) and the 25th overall pick, which the Knicks used to select Quentin Grimes, for the 21st overall pick, which they used to choose Tennessee’s Keon Johnson. Having multiple selections in the first round can help with flexibility, but the Knicks will likely need to give up more if they want to land a first-round pick in this year’s draft.
Let’s take a look at some trades to could help the Knicks get back into this year’s NBA draft.
1. The New York Knicks trade Obi Toppin to the Utah Jazz for the 28th pick and Ochai Agbaji
The Utah Jazz have three first-round picks in this year’s upcoming draft. Of course, they could use them all to add to their bevy of young talent. But the smart bet would be to consolidate and address holes on the roster. The Jazz were 11th in pace last season, and young teams typically like to get shots early in the shot clock and create as many possessions as possible to compensate for the lack of top-end talent. Obi is undoubtedly a player who can help in this area, as Knicks fans watched him push the pace against opposing second units for most of his career with the orange and blue.
Toppin could fill a big void left by Jarred Vanderbilt after the Jazz traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. While Obi would most likely still back up Kelly Olynyck, the ten-year veteran’s contract is only partially guaranteed for next season, and he will be a free agent during the summer of 2024.
For the Knicks, the chance to get back into the first round of this year’s draft, plus the opportunity to ship Obi out where he can fully develop and realize his potential makes for a situation that works well for both teams.
2. The New York Knicks trade Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers for the 29th pick and Chris Duarte
Similar to the Jazz, the Indiana Pacers have three first-round picks in this year’s upcoming draft. Back during the 2022-23 trade deadline, there were rumors that the Pacers had interest in Obi Toppin. It’s not hard to see why — Tyrese Haliburton running the fast break with Toppin could provide excitement and efficient offense. And with only Jalen Smith and Oshae Brissett in his way, Obi’s path to becoming a starter at the four is clear-cut.
The Knicks, admittedly, would be buying pretty low on Duarte. Duarte, a talented shooter plagued by an injured ankle, played in only 46 games this past season and shot 31.6 percent from three and 36.9 percent from the field. However, during Duarte’s rookie, he showed more promise – averaging 13.1 points per game while shooting 36.9 percent from the three-point line on 4.6 three-point attempts per game. A healthy Duarte can add a much-needed shooting touch to the Knicks’ rotation.
3. The New York Knicks trade Derrick Rose, Deuce McBride, and a 2024 2nd-round pick (via Detroit) to the Los Angeles Clippers for Norman Powell and the 30th pick in the 2023 draft
The Los Angeles Clippers owe Norman Powell $57 million and change over the next three seasons. And while his annual average salary is no albatross, everyone and their mother knows that the Clippers need to move money around to build around Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. And although it may be a long shot, in case the Clippers decide to go nuclear, rebuild, and move on from PG13, Kawhi, or both, then Powell would most likely be on the way out.
The 2024 2nd round pick from the Pistons would also add value. If Monty Williams’ seven-year mega deal as head coach gave any indication — the Pistons are in this for the long haul, which means many losses in 2024.
The Knicks would have to exercise the final years of Rose and McBride’s contract to trade them, and they would be adding three years and $57 million to their books in exchange for Powell. However, this past season, Powell averaged 17 points, shot 47.9 percent from the field, and 39.7 percent from the three-point line per game.
Powell would represent the two-way wing the Knicks have been searching for. The Miami Heat exposed several weaknesses in their six-game series win over the Knicks during the second round of the playoffs. The Knicks lacked shooting and relied heavily on double teams to stop Jimmy Butler. Powell is a player that can hit shots and keep his man in front of him.
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. And in case you missed it, check out CP and Alex interview ESPN’s Mark Jones.
