Not as far-fetched as it may sound... The Knicks got hosed (from their point of view) by dropping down to fourth in the draft lottery. The three players they really wanted: Karl Anthony Towns, Kahlil Okafor and D'Angelo Russell will almost certainly be snapped up by the Twolves, Lakers and Sixers. The next best prospects, Emmanuel Mudiay and Justise Winslow are less than ideal; Mudiay does not project as a good point guard for the triangle offense, and Winslow plays the same position as Carmelo Anthony.
Phil Jackson made it clear on numerous occasions during the Knicks' "tanking" season that he was open to trading his lottery pick if the draft options were unsuitable. The Knicks are also desperate to unload aging PG Jose Calderon. Here's an interesting excerpt from New York sports writer Lauren Moranor:
While Jackson made it clear that he wants to rebuild the Knicks in free agency, trades could easily come for the team. According to Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com, Jose Calderon, Tim Hardaway Jr and Lou Amundson are all players that could be up on the trade block this offseason along with that potential draft pick. Begley writes that getting rid of Calderon is a priority and the only way that is possible is to package the player with either Hardaway or the draft pick. Calderon's stock is simply not high enough to match his current salary.
There are plenty of players the Knicks could look at if they start trading. Carmelo Anthony told ESPN.com that he wants a veteran for the point guard position over getting a rookie in the draft. While everyone chases Rajon Rondo, New York could look for a trade. According to the Detroit Free Press, Brandon Jennings could be available if Reggie Jackson is re-signed. Deron Williams is available with the Nets although his contract is ugly. Ty Lawson could be an option along with Isaiah Thomas depending on how adventurous the Boston Celtics get.
Hmm ... Phil has bent over backwards to keep Carmelo happy. How about IT for that number 4 pick and we'll take Calderon off your hands, Phil?
From the Celtics' viewpoint, they could draft either Justise Winslow at SF or you-know-who at PF/C. Calderon would be a serviceable backup PG and at $7.4 mil vs Isaiah's $6.9 mil next year, he wouldn't be a big cap hit.
I love Isaiah's fire coming off the bench, but eventually his desire to be a starter is going to be a problem. He's not likely to be starting in Boston, so it would be better for all concerned to ship him somewhere he can be the starting PG. Maybe we have to throw one of our picks into the deal, but I think this would be a high-value return for a one-way player.