New York Knicks could trade up to draft Michael Porter Jr.

The New York Knicks own the No. 9 pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and they really need to make it count. They could trade up in the draft to make sure they do.

The New York Knicks have had it rough for about the past half decade, and it’s kind of no one’s fault but their own. They were finally able to unload Carmelo Anthony’s insane contract, but unfortunately they’re still stuck paying Joakim Noah.

Right now, Kristaps Porzingis is their future, and that’s who they have to build the team around. Porzingis is currently recovering from a torn ACL, and probably won’t be back on the court until around December.

The Knicks own the ninth overall pick in this year’s draft, and boy do they really need to make this pick count. According to ESPN’s Ian Begley, teams ahead of the Knicks have called them to gauge their interest in trading up so they can draft Michael Porter Jr.

Knicks officials will be in Chicago to watch Porter work out on Friday, and they attended his pro day last week. It’s no secret that the Knicks need a wing scorer, and Porter, who is six-foot-eleven with a wingspan of seven feet, would fit the bill.

The Knicks haven’t zeroed in on Porter over anyone else, but they should would like to add him to the roster. Porter only played in three games at Missouri due to a back injury, but when healthy he may be the best scorer in this class.

Next: 5 reasons the Warriors won't win the title next season

Nothing is close to being official in regard to a trade, but it’s something to keep an eye on as we approach draft day. Pairing Porter with Porzingis would be something the Knicks can build on for their future, and could even be a good selling point for potential free agents in the future.