REPORT: The Knicks will look to trade up in the draft

After a few days of intense mourning over the Knicks’ 2020-21 season, we turn our thoughts toward the 2021 NBA Draft. New York has a load of picks, which means we could see some wheelin’ and dealin’, according to Marc Berman:

The Knicks are excused from the lottery dais for a change, but that doesn’t mean they can’t move up into lottery position on draft night in late July. They have two first-round picks (19 and 21) and two second-rounders (32, 58). Chief strategist Brock Aller will look to deal picks and money to move into the lottery, according to sources. Thibodeau doesn’t want too many more prospects on his roster.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. There’s no way the Knicks head into next season with four rookies (plus Luca Vildoza, who will also technically be a rookie) on the roster. It’s a little sad, though, because this is supposedly a deep draft, and I’ve seen some pretty cool players mocked to the Knicks at 19 and 21. But the temptation to move up into the late lottery and snag a more-heralded prospect is also pretty tempting.

The last time Brock Aller made a deal on draft night, the Knicks wound up with Immanuel Quickley. Perhaps it is time to trust the process and hope for another home run in this draft.