New York Knicks
The New York Knicks lost the NBA Draft Lottery. They may still have their eye on LaMelo Ball though. Ball wants the limelight, and the Knicks could give it to him.
Moving up from No. 8 to No. 2 is a large jump, and the Knicks may not have the assets it takes without giving up future first-round picks. It’s not likely that Golden State believes Bobby Portis is the answer to any of their problems.
Portis is really the only player Golden State may consider using their trade exception on. Dennis Smith Jr. could be a possibility as well, but all realistic options point to the Warriors needing future picks.
The Knicks likely won’t be good next season. Unless R.J. Barrett takes a drastic leap forward, the Knicks future picks will be valuable, and if they trade one for No. 2, it’ll show that they mean business.
Is LaMelo that intriguing and are they that certain that he wouldn’t go No. 1? That’s a few things they must consider, but they should certainly be a contender for No. 2.