Knicks Looking To Move Up In Draft

The World Famous LayupDrill Rumor Mill

We're just a few short days away from the NBA Draft, and the rumor mill is buzzing with news about possible movement among teams in the lottery.

Let’s start in the Big Apple, where NY Newsday reports today that the Wizards and Knicks have spoken about a deal involving two former Wizards returning to D.C.

It was first reported that Washington would be interested in acquiring Wilson Chandler from the Knicks, the expiring contract of swingman Larry Hughes, along with Jared Jeffries. The Knicks and Wizards spoke about a deal earlier in the season that would have sent Hughes to D.C for Mike James and Etan Thomas, however the two teams were not able to come to terms before the trade deadline.

The Knicks are also interested in the Wizards fifth overall pick, as they feel it’s possible they will be able to land either Stephen Curry or Ricky Rubio in that spot. It’s not certain, other than swapping picks (Knicks select 8th), what the Wizards would want in return.

Another team that may be interested in in moving into the top five are the Dallas Mavericks.

The Dallas Morning News reports the Mavs have their eyes set on Arizona forward Jordan Hill, and would offer up the expiring contracts of Jerry Stackhouse and Erick Dampier. The Mavs may opt for Hill if they feel they can’t get a deal done for Shaquille O’Neal.

Dallas doesn’t expect to be able to land a viable big man where they are drafting currently in the first round, and would likely include that pick in any deal.

There is still the potential that the Wizards actually keep the pick, though two players that they would be interested in selecting, Rubio and Jrue Holiday, refused to conduct interviews with the team at the request of their agent, Dan Fegan.

The Washington Post reports that Fegan, who used to represent Wizards star Gilbert Arenas, wants neither of his clients to be teammates with Agent Zero.