NBA Draft 2014: How Can the Knicks Acquire Picks?

New York Knicks trade Iman Shumpert to the Oklahoma city Thunder for the 29th overall pick.

Around the trade deadline, the Thunder expressed their interest in the 2011 draftee, but the Knicks thought that a first round pick “was not enough” because they did not receive a player that could help them get to the Eastern Conference Finals. This was when they were sitting in 10th place in the conference with a record under .500. The front office must have been looking at things upside down.

With Phil Jackson being the new man in charge, he will be looking to overhaul the team. One can assume that one or both sides have attempted to re-open discussions for Iman Shumpert. With Thabo Sefolosha hitting free agency, Shumpert would be solid replacement, maybe even an upgrade due to his offensive spurts and athletic ability. If the Knicks were to acquire this pick, guard P.J. Hairston could be there target, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.

"When shooting guard P.J. Hairston agreed to work out for Knicks president Phil Jackson on June 5, it was the strongest indication they are setting their sights on more than just buying a second-rounder next Thursday night. Hairston, the controversial former North Carolina standout who was expelled from school last December, is slated to go between the 20th and 30th picks. He has worked out for about a dozen teams, mostly clubs in the lottery. “The interest level is very, very high,’’ Hairston’s agent, Juan Morrow, told The Post. “You never know what Phil Jackson has up his sleeve.’’"

Phil Jackson has always favored the big guards. At 6′ 5”, 240 pounds, the former UNC guard fits the mold. He’s already a good shooter from NBA range, but consistency has been an issue for him. Another potential target is Syracuse’s Tyler Ennis. The Knicks are in dire need of a young point guard. With Felton being told that he will be traded, it makes the need for a player at the one position even greater.

Either way, do not expect Iman Shumpert to be a Knick past draft night.