NBA Draft Rumors: Knicks, Nets, Pelicans want to trade for first round pick
By Bryan Rose
The New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans all have one thing in common. None of the said teams have a pick in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft, though, each team is apparently doing what they can to change that.
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According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, each of those teams has been working the phone lines in hopes of acquiring a first round selection before the end of June draft approaches.
“Picks 25-30 can be had for the right price. New York, Brooklyn and New Orleans are calling around looking to get into the first round. Don’t be surprised if one or more of those teams wind up trading for one of those picks.”
While news of the Knicks and Pelicans looking to acquire a draft pick isn’t breaking news by any stretch, the inclusion of the Nets is relatively new as we haven’t heard their name linked to the draft very much in recent weeks though apparently they must have their eye on somebody.
Now, some may wonder why exactly each of those teams are looking to trade into the back end of the first round considering obtaining a second round pick seems to make more financial sense considering first round draft picks have their salaries guaranteed.
The most likely scenario is because those early second round picks (often held by poor teams) are of more value considering the players selected can be released at any time without any financial consequence. That can’t be said for the late first round picks who will have their contracts (although somewhat minimal) guaranteed through the remainder of their deals.