New York Knicks: More draft picks and less free agency

At this point in the New York Knicks’ timeline, draft picks are more important to the future than free agents. Just because they can spend doesn’t mean the Knicks should.

Obviously, the New York Knicks have to sign some free agents this summer. The list of team needs includes point guard, shooting guard, small forward and center (and new owner).

Unless Phil Jackson can get four draft picks in a Carmelo Anthony trade the Knicks can’t meet all their needs in the draft.

However, the Knicks need more than one first round draft pick. Without the cap space to lure an elite free agent, it may be time for a youth movement in NYC. The elephant in the room is the need to trade Carmelo Anthony. Once that trade is done it should bring the Knicks at least one more draft pick.

The current draft class is full of talent anywhere in the top 15. In other words, the Knicks have a real opportunity in this draft. This fact makes a pre-draft Carmelo trade that much more important.

For the New York Knicks to survive this offseason, smart draft picks and conservative free agent contracts will be key. Compiling draft picks and signing contracts advantageous to trades will mean a bright future. Yet, doing business the same way they always have will only lead to more disaster.