New York Knicks 2015 rumors: Team to trade away draft pick?

Phil JacksonWikipedia

The New York Knicks are not exactly in the best position to land any of the big names in the coming NBA Draft though they may be selecting among the top five. But Knicks President seems to have drawn the line, saying that if they end up with the fifth pick, that one will most likely be traded away.

All eyes are of course on the blue chip rookies like Jahlil Okafor, Karl-Anthony Towns and Emmanuel Mudiay, players most likely playing among the top three picks this year. But getting one of them may not be within reach considering other teams with poorer records this past NBA season will most likely end up selecting them and with a higher pick.

Then again, there is a remote possibility that one of these players could fall at number five, changing the whole scenario. So to sum it all up, it depends on who the Knicks can get their hands on.

Should they fall short of getting a prized rookie from the draft, hearing Jackson say that their pick will most likely be used as trade bait is understandable. Despite in the rebuilding stages, Jackson is looking for a player to fit in his framework, someone who can provide help and blend in with Carmelo Anthony and other players they are eyeing in free agency.

The Knicks have set their eyes on a couple of free agents like LaMarcus Aldridge or even Marc Gasol. Of the two however, it seems more feasible to go after Aldridge since prying away Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies may be close to impossible.

Aldridge on the other hand has already hinted of an impending departure from the Portland Trailblazers. But the thing is, the Knicks may be in for a battle to get the All-Star center/forward considering other rebuilding teams like the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to go after him as well.