NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks, Blazers discussing draft day trade?

Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Trade Rumors: The New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly held initial discussions on a potential draft day trade

Equipped with three first-round picks in next month’s NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers are a natural trade partner for any team looking to trade into the draft. Although, if you’re going to snake one of Portland’s first-round picks, it will come at a price.

Earlier this week it was reported that the Blazers were open to dealing one or a combination of their picks in exchange for salary relief.

Now it’s being reported that the New York Knicks are reportedly one of the teams that have had initial conversations with the Portland Trail Blazers about the potential of a draft day swap.

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"[via Sporting News] Portland owns the No. 15, 20 and 26 picks in this draft, and several teams are eager to get into that mix. The Knicks have inquired about some combination of the Blazers’ picks, a source said, and those talks are ongoing. New York has the eighth pick and could trade down for a combination of picks, though the preference for the Knicks is to keep their pick and add one of Portland’s."

In this report, it should be noted that the Brooklyn Nets, who have one late first-round pick in next month’s NBA Draft, are also considered a team with interest in dealing with the Blazers. Interestingly enough, they signed Allen Crabbe to an offer sheet last summer, which was eventually matched by the Blazers.

So, it makes sense.

As for the Knicks, I’m not exactly sure if they’d be forced to take on Even Turner or Crabbe, both contracts which roughly have $55 million due over the next three years (excluding player options for a fourth year).

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However, the fact that Crabbe is only 25, and probably has the best basketball in front of him, it’s unlikely to see the Blazers to part ways with him in this type of deal.