KEY POINTS

  • The asking price to move up the 2020 NBA Draft may be too much for the Knicks, NBA insider says
  • LaMelo Ball may not be worth pursuing if it entails giving up Mitchell Robinson and RJ Barrett
  • The Knicks may end up scouting other prospects at no. 8 instead

The New York Knicks would love to trade up the 2020 NBA Draft to get a greater chance at acquiring LaMelo Ball. However, the team will only do so if the requirement is reasonable and within its boundaries.

Among the names mentioned as possible inclusions in a Knicks trade are Mitchell Robinson and RJ Barrett. But the asking price to move up the 2020 NBA Draft may be too much, according to NBA Big Board's Chad Ford. Hence, this could leave a big dent in the Knicks' plans of moving up and getting the 19-year-old Ball.

This somehow addresses a previous report from Amico Hoops that the Knicks were willing to deal away Barrett and Robinson to get Ball. Anything can still happen, but right now, the chances of New York may be dwindling.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been heavily linked to Ball. Should they pass up and take in Anthony Edwards instead, the Golden State Warriors could be the team that would swoop in to take Ball. Both teams are open to trading their picks, but no team has so far been singled out to be near that.

The Warriors loomed as a plausible target, seeing that they need a big man in the middle. James Wiseman has been mentioned as the player they will likely draft, although the 7-foot-1 center needs a lot of work developing his other skills.

It was not mentioned which teams the Knicks have already talked to. But as far as the Warriors are concerned, Robinson would have been a better addition than the incoming big man.

It would be best to note that Ford had said that the Knicks were not willing to part with both Barrett and Robinson. It remains to be seen if only one of them would be given up plus their 8th overall pick. Anything can still happen in the coming weeks.

If the Knicks fail to move up, they may have no other choice but to take in whoever is available once it is their time to select. Among the names they could consider are Obi Toppin, Isaac Okoro, Devin Vassell or even Kira Lewis. It all depends on who new head coach Tom Thibodeau feels would fit in as New York hopes to come out with a better performance this 2020-21 season.

LaMelo Ball of the Hawks in action during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena
LaMelo Ball of the Hawks in action during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena Getty Images | Anthony Au-Yeung
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