NBA Rumors: Knicks Exploring Draft Day Trade With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving In New York's Plans

Zion Williamson RJ Barrett Duke — Zion Williamson #1 2 and RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrate after defeating the UCF Knights in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Ever since the New York Knicks landed at No.3 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery, it’s been assumed that the team would go in one of two possible directions: include the first-rounder in a trade package for Anthony Davis or keep the selection and take Duke’s R.J. Barrett.

Those remain the most likely outcomes with the draft only three weeks away, but another option is at least in play. According to the latest rumors, the Knicks are looking into trading down in the draft.

ESPN has reported that New York has explored the possibility of trading the No.3 pick for two first-rounders, specifically the Atlanta Hawks’ No.8 and No.10 overall picks. The report notes that the Knicks might want to take two players that complement star free agents like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, whom New York will pursue this summer.

The Knicks are favored to sign Durant in July. If New York doesn’t land Irving, they could conceivably sign someone like Kemba Walker to a max contract.

Some #Knicks pre-draft buzz: expect a wide net to be cast w/ workouts, including names that aren't projected No. 3. Why? 1. due diligence. 2. to see if there's value in quantity if there's a deal to be made to trade down. That 3 pick, however, seems to have the most value.
— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) May 31, 2019

With two max salary slots available and their sights set on Durant, the Knicks are looking to contend for a championship next year. Drafting someone like Barrett, who could develop into a star a few years down the road, doesn’t make as much sense for New York as it would for Atlanta or another team that won’t make a run at the 2020 NBA Finals.

Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and Barrett are largely considered to be the three players with superstar potential in this year’s class. If the Knicks trade down, they might be looking to select role players that can contribute immediately but don’t have an incredibly high ceiling.

New York will need a lot more than just Durant and a free-agent point guard, considering their roster won a league-worst 17 games this past season.

The Knicks’ top priority is likely finding a way to include the No.3 pick in a trade for Davis. Rumors linking Durant and New York have been prevalent for months, but there is a sense that the Golden State Warriors’ superstar won’t join the hapless franchise unless another star is going to come with him.

If New York is able to trade the No.3 pick and other assets for Davis on draft day, it would come 10 days before Durant can officially hit free agency. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are also expected to pursue a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.

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