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12/22/2024 11:39:31 pm

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NBA Trade Rumors: Phil Jackson, Knicks Still Undecided On 4th Pick

Phil Jackson

(Photo : Getty Images) New York Knicks president Phil Jackson during one of his team's regular season games.

Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks are reportedly still undecided of what they are going to do with their fourth pick in the upcoming 2015 NBA Draft on June 25, as per CBS Sports.

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NBA insider Ken Berger reported that there is some sort of an "internal debate" currently going on within the Knicks' camp, which is about whether to trade their no. 4 selection for a 2016 first round pick or use it on Thursday.

There were speculations that Jackson was willing to move down on the draft to acquire a young veteran, particularly the Suns' 13th pick plus their starting point guard Eric Bledsoe.

As Sporting News disclosed that the Knicks are mulling over drafting Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky as high as no. 4, then this deal would really make sense as they can get their desired rookie plus an All-Star caliber playmaker in Bledsoe, which is one spot that the team is really lacking at the moment. But there are still no news of Jackson approving such a deal a day away from draft night.

Another report from Charles Curtis of NJ Advance Media said that the Knicks are more likely to trade down their fourth pick if Duke's Jahlil Okafor is no longer available. Jackson's alleged asking price is said to be multiple draft picks this year and in the future. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly waiting and interested in dealing with the Knicks as soon as Jackson and his crew finalize their decision.

However, the big question is why would Jackson stock up more future draft picks if he is well aware that his superstar player, Carmelo Anthony, badly wants to win now? Furthermore, at no. 4, are there no one else worthy of a spot in Derek Fisher's triangle offense for them to just throw it away?

The top three should be Karl-Anthony Towns, Okafor, and D'Angelo Russell, in that order. But if the Sixers becomes firm in drafting 7-foot-1 Latvian phenom Kristaps Porzingis, then Russell would still be available for them at fourth, so why trade at all?

Jackson's best-case scenario would be for the Lakers to select Russell at no. 2. There are plenty of speculations that Mitch Kupchak was impressed of the point guard's performance during pre-draft workouts that Los Angeles is also considering to select him with their second pick. If that happens, then the question is: will Philadelphia pass Okafor for Porzingis? If yes, then the Zen Master will get his Okafor wish.

Too many questions and not enough answers as the world awaits for Thursday.

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