NBA Trades 2014: Shumpert Likely To Thunder, As Knicks Target Late First-Round Pick
The New York Knicks are reportedly considering a trade that will send combo guard Iman Shumpert to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a first-round draft pick, a source close to situation reported on Saturday.
Marc Berman of New York Post reported on a possible draft night deal between the Knicks and the Thunder. According to the insider, the Knickerbockers are reportedly interested in getting a first-round pick in this year's draft, which is considered by many scouts and analysts as a top-heavy class.
"The Thunder are looking at trading at least one of their late first-round picks, and Knicks president Phil Jackson said he's looking to obtain a pick for either round of the NBA Draft," the NY Post writer stated in his latest report.
"The Post reported at February's trade deadline Oklahoma City made an offer for Iman Shumpert, but the Knicks passed. ESPN.com reported the Thunder offered their 29th pick."
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti confirmed that he's still assessing the value of his first-round picks in the upcoming draft. The Thunder holds the 21st and 29th pick, which can still be valuable given the immense talent available in this draft class.
"We have to figure out a way to find value in the draft,'' Presti told Oklahoma radio station 98.1 FM via NY Post on Thursday. "That could be moving off the picks entirely, combining them to move around, could be standing and selecting. I will say this draft is going to be pretty good. At the same time, when you draft a player, you also want to make sure there's a relative pathway for them to have success and play.''
Reports from the Knicks front office indicated Jackson's admiration of Shumpert's defensive prowess and height. However, the 11-time champion coach is not impressed by his subpar offensive basketball IQ and passing ability, which are necessary to make the triangle offense work.
According to sources, the Knicks have already scheduled 6-foot-5 shooting guard P.J Hairston, who is projected to be taken within the 21st to 29th pick range.
"The Knicks don't want to clog up their 2015 cap space unless they are sure they'll draft a can't-miss rotation player. The 29th pick is slated to make $959,000 in 2015-16, which is modest for a top rotation player. The 21st pick would make $1.2 million," the Post reported.