Despite early reports indicating that the New York Knicks would be willing to trade RJ Barrett or Mitchell Robinson for the opportunity to draft LaMelo Ball in the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft, Chad Ford has clarified that the oft-maligned franchise views that asking price as to high.
No, I didn’t write that the Knicks are willing to part with Mitch Robinson and RJ Barrett for a chance to move up to select Melo. What I actually wrote was that was the asking price and may be too rich for the Knicks. You can read it here: https://t.co/KpjpUsZKkg
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) November 14, 2020
Previously reported by Sam Amico, the news that the Knicks were willing to part with two of their young cornerstones had initially caused a stir Saturday. Treated to flashbacks of past instances in which the Knicks aggressively traded young talent for bigger name players, fans had largely begun to pan the potential move as shortsighted.
While Ball remains the heavy favorite to be drafted No. 1 overall during the proceedings on Nov. 18, the point guard has continued to be divisive among evaluators given his poor shooting ability and subpar defense. That his father is expected to remain a heavy presence around whichever team drafts him—much the same way he did with his elder son Lonzo—is also seen as a potential distraction that has soured some fans.
Currently possessing the eighth overall pick in the draft, New York has been heavily discussed in recent weeks, as being open to making a number of moves that would boost their chances to qualify for the postseason. Given Tom Thibodeau's reported interest in “win now” moves, the Knicks have been linked to Houston Rockets point guard Russell Westbrook, as well as Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo. Should New York choose to hold onto their young prospects already on the roster, their lottery selection would need to be the centerpiece of any possible move.
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