Knicks Rumors: Latest on Tim Hardaway Jr. Trade Buzz and Draft Plans

Most seemed to shout the demise of the New York Knicks from the nearest skyscraper after the rebuilding organization suffered a setback by landing the fourth pick in the upcoming draft. 

With president Phil Jackson in control, though, it's safe to feel confident that one of the league's legendary franchises will continue along the proper path throughout the offseason process.

Hence the team popping up in so many nuggets on the rumor mill.

Whether it's how the team will act in the draft, which prospects seem like its picks or trade rumblings, the Knicks are one of the hottest teams around. Below, let's take a look at the latest.

Knicks Looking at Everyone?

Again, everyone seemed to write off New York right after the NBA draft lottery, the lack of an ability to choose between Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor the death knell the front office just couldn't afford.

The thing is, the draft process seems just as difficult as ever for the Knicks, who seem to love most prospects and how they fit.

ESPN.com's Chad Ford shares the report:

It makes a ton of sense. Not only does standing pat as unpredictable help the Knicks when it comes to smokescreens and the like, but it also works given the construction of the roster.

The Knicks could wind up with one of the star point guards, D'Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay. The former's an elite scorer, the latter a John Wall-esque point who gets everyone involved. Either represents an upgrade.

Kristaps Porzingis could be the pick, too, as a monster big man who can stretch defenses by stepping out and hitting shots from range. Or the team could grab Willie Cauley-Stein, the best defender in the class. Either helps the team stop leaning on Louis Amundson and others beneath the basket.

The point is, it's not hard to see why the Knicks are so unpredictable. Heck, even a trade could come into play.

The Allure of a Trade

Taking the best player available at No. 4 and calling it a day might be the best course of action for a rebuilding team like the Knicks, especially if it means the team can then attract a big-name free agent or two.

With Jackson, of course, things are never so simple.

According to CBSSports.com's Ken Berger, the Knicks are considering moving down:

"

Amid reports that the Knicks are open to moving down from No. 4 to pick up a first-rounder in 2016 (when their pick goes to Denver or Toronto), there are rival executives who view that as a dangerous game for Jackson to play. One such executive, who has been in contact with the Knicks, told CBSSports.com Monday there is "internal debate" within the Knicks' front office about whether to use the fourth pick or trade it.

"

Let the debate rage on, because there's plenty of merit to sticking or trading. 

While trading down is a dangerous game, it's a risk a rebuilding franchise may consider worth it. A move creates more future assets, and the team might still land a prospect it likes.

Chatter last month suggested Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky after a trade down, and Marc Berman of the New York Post caught up with him on the matter: "But the organization has to make the decision, not me. New York is a great place, storied history. I wouldn’t mind it at all. Carmelo Anthony is obviously one of the superstars—one of the best in my generation. To play alongside him would be a cool thing."

Kaminsky's a good example of what the Knicks can land after a trade down. Experienced, versatile and an upgrade at a key spot, it's not hard to see why alleged debates exist inside the organization.

Tim Hardaway Jr. Trade?

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

One thing Jackson and the front office could do to surprise most is trade away talent during the draft.

It's an interesting curveball to think about. Instead of trading down, the team could still acquire future assets by hosting a sale, which would keep it in the top four but still somewhat function like a trade down.

Other teams seem like they want to help in this endeavor, per ESPN.com's Ian Begley: "If you're looking for any clues regarding potential draft-night trades, here's one: the Detroit Pistons are said to have interest in trading for Tim Hardaway Jr. and have tried to engage the Knicks on a deal, per league sources."

A Tim Hardaway Jr.-Brandon Jennings swap might not make the most sense for the Knicks. As the report goes on to note, Jennings' cap hit is more than $8 million next season in his final year, and it would perhaps cause the Knicks to burn an exception—and also suggests real contention is another year away when his contract comes off the books.

Still, Hardaway is a good example of what other teams may want from the Knicks (granted, his father coaches with Detroit). He's just 23 years old and last year posted an average of 11.5 points per game. With youngsters Shane Larkin and Langston Galloway in the backcourt, not to mention a potential draft pick, the Knicks have the leeway to make a move.

It's a big "if," although a possibility lending even more credibility to the notion the Knicks are the team to watch on draft night.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.