Trading down — the LaMelo Ball deal
Let’s be real — the New York Knicks are not going to get their next superstar in free agency.
With the Big Apple’s prestigious organization desiring a stud, the Knicks tried to pair Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant his past offseason, but they both ended up with inner-city rival Brooklyn. The Knicks failed to secure a star and opted to sign what felt like ten power forwards.
The Knicks are in a place to trade into the No. 1 pick.
While they have a top pick already, this already-thin draft likely won’t see too many high-ceiling stars drop past five. To snag the 6-foot-7 LaMelo Ball, projected to go No. 1 overall by many, the Knicks would need the Warriors pick.
The pick can also add to the Warriors’ future draft capital. Extending their assets to continue an aggressive approach for a player like Giannis would be more ideal for the Warriors then bringing in a James Wiseman or Anthony Edwards type player.
With just a few additions in free agency, Golden State will be a championship-level team. Ideally, they’d move back to a later year, add a few big men in free agency and then work towards a mega-deal for Giannis-type player.
For New York, it’s about getting a star now. Ball would bring a swagger to New York that they haven’t had since acquiring Carmelo Anthony. After all, if all goes right, maybe that 2022 pick isn’t even in the lottery.