Knicks Trade Up in Top 10 in Mock Draft
The New York Knicks currently hold the Nos. 24 and 25 picks going into next week's NBA Draft, but there's a chance the team could trade up and grab one of the top prospects in the class.
Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley conducted a mock draft with an emphasis on trades, and moved Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, along with the No. 24 pick, to the New Orleans Pelicans in a four-team trade. The Knicks would get the No. 6 pick and forward Larry Nance Jr. in return, and they would select UConn guard Stephon Castle.
"It would certainly be shocking to see the Knicks trade into the top 10, but doesn't this draft seem determined to serve up a few stunners? Plus, if New York plans on paying what it takes to keep Isaiah Hartenstein (and it could be a lot), then shedding the money owed to Robinson might become a priority," Buckley writes.
"This deal would let the Knicks check that box while bringing back a completely serviceable (and cheaper) backup center in Nance. More importantly, it might deliver an optimal backcourt running mate for Jalen Brunson, provided Castle's perimeter shot comes around. That's about all the 6'6" guard needs to add, since he can handle, create, finish and defend with ferocity."
The Knicks would certainly be getting creative with a deal like this, and grabbing Castle would inject some youth into the backcourt. However, the Knicks are looking to compete for a championship, so adding a prominent rookie to the team doesn't make a whole lot of sense. That being said, the price to move up into the draft is a massive steal, and if this offer was presented to them, they should certainly consider it.
Not only do they add a potential future starter in Castle, but they swap out Robinson for Nance, who makes a few million dollars less and becomes a free agent in 2025 rather than 2026. The Knicks get some flexibility long-term and add some potential. It's almost as if this deal sounds a little too good to be true.
JEREMY BRENER
Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.