Knicks reportedly exploring trading down in draft

The New York Knicks had visions of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and subsequently, Zion Williamson, dancing in their heads.

However, New York, which had the worst record in the NBA this season at 17-67, fell to No. 3 in the lottery and now a report has the Knicks talking about potentially trading down in the draft.

The team is considering trading the third overall selection to the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 8 and No. 10 overall picks, per ESPN. If they remain at three, the Knicks would take Duke small forward R.J. Barrett, says our Sam Amico in the eighth installment of his NBA mock draft.

"New York has explored the possibility of trading back in the lottery, sources told ESPN, perhaps to acquire pieces that better complement potential high-volume All-Star free agents (such as Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving)," the report said. "Trading the No. 3 pick for the Atlanta Hawks’ two first-rounders (Nos. 8 and 10) is under consideration by the Knicks, one source said.

"This is a similar package to the one Dallas used to move up in last year’s draft — trading the No. 5 pick and a top-five protected pick (which ended up being No. 10) to select Luka Doncic at No. 3. A move like this likely wouldn’t happen until the draft was actually under way, as both teams would want to know which players are actually available with the No. 8 pick before consummating a trade."

The possibility of trading back in the draft has the Knicks looking at a plethora of players, according to the report.

"In addition, the Knicks are looking closely at other draft prospects who might be in play at No. 3 but could also very well fall later in the top 10," the report said, "including Cam Reddish, Jarrett Culver, Coby White and Nassir Little."

The NBA Draft will be held June 20.