Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak confirmed that he's receiving phone calls regarding the availability of their no.2 overall pick with roughly a week left before 2015 NBA Draft. Although the Lakers top front-office honcho remains adamant in using their top pick, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of moving it in exchange for an established player or even a bonifide superstar.
In last month's interview with Mike Medina of Los Angeles Daily News, Kupchak stressed it would take a heck of opportunity for them to trade their no.2 pick. He reiterated this stance once again in a recent chat with Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, sending a message around the association that he's open to part ways with their biggest draft asset although at a stiff price.
So which teams have a realistic shot at pulling off a late power move to snatch the no.2 overall pick from the Lakers' hands. To be honest, there are only few of them, and the fact that it would take a gutsy move from their part would make their participation in any deal with the Lakers a remote possibility, though history tells that everything is still in play at this time of the year.
The New York Knicks - Possessing the no.4 overall pick in the draft, the Knicks have an opportunity to add youth to their lineup after suffering the same two years of frustrations and disappointments with the Lakers.
However, Knicks president of basketball operations Phil Jackson isn't very much optimistic of using their pick for an unproven college standout, unless the prospect has an immense upside like Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor, who appear out of their reach as the two best big men in this class are projected to go 1-2 on the draft board.
Despite boasting a roster comprised mostly of NBA journeymen, the Knicks are capable of making an offer that would blow the Lakers front-office away. A summer ago, the Lakers made a futile attempt to sign All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony. As everybody know, Anthony decided to stay in the Big Apple for more cash but found out that the Knicks are still far from becoming a title contender, even if Jackson already assumed office.
With Melo potentially becoming a trade bait, the Knicks are in position to abandon their 'win now' philosophy and start building for the future by making a play for the Lakers no.2 pick. Despite coming off a rough season that ended prematurely with a knee injury, the 31-year old Anthony is still one of the best scorers in the game. The Lakers won't have any second thought on parting ways with their lottery pick if they know they have a shot at Anthony, who's very much capable of helping Kobe Bryant in the Mamba's one last drive for another championship.
On the other hand, landing two top-5 pick would put the Knicks in better position than they had been the last couple of years. Not only they would clear up for more cap space by getting rid of Melo's massive $20MM-plus per year contract, they would also have a core of talented young players who could turn into perennial All-Star gems in the next 2 or 3 years.
Part II: Would Lakers Swap No.2 Pick for Sixers No.3 & Joel Embiid? How About Boogie Cousins?