In today's Knicks rumors roundup, the New York Knicks could trade newly acquired point guard Shane Larkin in order to move into the first round of Thursday's NBA Draft.
Per Marc Berman of the New York Post, "if so inclined, the Knicks could move into the middle-to-late first round by using Larkin, their 34th pick and cash. They are exploring deals entering a draft Thursday night in which many teams have multiple first-round picks, including Oklahoma City at Nos. 21 and 29. Thunder GM Sam Presti has said he could move at least one of his picks."
Why move Larkin?
The Knicks are said to be targeting shooting guard P.J. Hairston with any pick they may acquire, which puts the future of the former Dallas Mavericks guard and son of Cincinnati Reds legend Barry Larkin back in question after the Knicks acquired in a major six-player trade just yesterday.
Along with Hairston, the Knicks are also rumored to have eyes on former Florida center Patric Young.
"Young impressed Knicks president Phil Jackson in a workout earlier this month, and the 22-year-old would be a nice addition to a frontcourt that needs some with the departure of Chandler," writes Jason Patt of SB Nation in an article posted on Thursday. "Young is a physical presence down low who would bring some toughness and post defense. The exiting senior averaged 11.0 points and 6.2 rebounds last season at Florida."
Young is currently projected to land somewhere in the early second round, but his currently-rising stock could see him creep up into the first round - something which could prompt the Knicks to move up and grab him.
The latest on Carmelo Anthony
With teams currently lining up in order to give Anthony their best pitches when free agency officially begins on July 1st, Knicks president Phil Jackson is preparing for the possibility of losing the seven-time All-Star.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN New York, "Jackson said late last month that he's "not losing sleep" over Anthony's free agency but is "definitely concerned" about the idea of Anthony signing elsewhere. Anthony has said publicly that he would like to stay in New York but also wants to be in position to win an NBA championship."
While some pundits have been quick to rule out a return for Melo to the Big Apple, the potential extra year of pay and his familiarity with New York could keep the Knicks in the race until the end.
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