The Knicks reportedly have had discussions with the Portland Trail Blazers about acquiring another first-round draft pick.
The Trail Blazers have three first-round picks in the June 22 NBA draft and are said to be open to dealing one or more of them. The Sporting News, which first reported the discussions, said the talks with the Knicks are ongoing.
The Knicks have the No. 8 pick and are expected to take a guard. But the Knicks could be talking to Portland to put themselves in position to land North Carolina forward Justin Jackson, who is projected to go in the teens. Portland has picks 15, 20 and 26.
Jackson will work out for the Knicks on June 13, according to a league source. Since he's not expected to go in the top 10, the fact that the Knicks are bringing Jackson in would indicate that they want to get a closer look to see if they should try to acquire another first-rounder to take him.
The Knicks also have picks No. 44 and 58 in the second round.
ESPN reported one trade scenario where a player from the capped-out Blazers would go back to the Knicks, but it's unclear who. It's unlikely the Knicks would move the No. 8 pick unless it's part of a package for an established player.
Players the Knicks likely will target at No. 8 include Kentucky guard Malik Monk, North Carolina State point guard Dennis Smith Jr., and French guard Frank Ntilikina. But there's no guarantee that all three of the guards will be there when the Knicks select.
