According to CBS Sports’ James Herbert and ESPN’s Ian Begley, the New York Knicks are interested in trading down from their 4th pick to take Cameron Payne.
Cameron Payne may not be the “big name” going around right now, but he is moving up draft boards everywhere. The point guard from Murray State’s scouting report shows a smooth shot, a fast pace, and some great passing abilities. Although Payne does possess some great abilities that would translate well to the NBA, a lot of people still believe that the Knicks are overthinking this pick. Most draft boards have the Knicks selecting Emmanuel Mudiay with the 4th pick.
Here’s what Ian Begley had to say:
League sources with knowledge of the team’s thinking say the Knicks are doing more than their due diligence by working out Payne; they are “serious” about considering him in the draft, those sources say.
Payne is widely viewed as a player who will be taken in the middle-to-late first round. So the Knicks’ interest in Payne and, to a lesser degree, their interest in Willie Cauley-Stein, is a sign that they are at least considering trading down from No. 4.
Both Knicks president Phil Jackson and GM Steve Mills have said that the organization would consider all of its options with the pick, including the possibility of trading down.
The Knicks potentially getting Cameron Payne as well as another asset for trading down could be a huge win for their future. Not only would they have a bright young point guard plus another asset, it would give them another bargaining chip to lure some free agents to Madison Square Garden too.
Phil Jackson and company will be working out Justise Winslow, Willie Caulie-Stein, and Emmanuel Mudiay. However, the Knicks have also been connected to Trey Lyles as well. Recently it has looked like the Knicks have a lot of flexibility with this number four pick. Hopefully they don’t overthink it.
