Knicks Rumors: New York Reportedly Talked Blazers Trade for 2017 NBA Draft Pick

Reports emerged Thursday that the New York Knicks have spoken with the Portland Trail Blazers in an effort to acquire another first-round pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported and ESPN.com's Ian Begley confirmed that New York is hoping to land Portland's No. 15, No. 20 or No. 26 overall selection in addition to its own No. 8 overall pick.

The Knicks are coming off a disappointing 31-51 season that saw them finish 12th in the Eastern Conference.

They haven't reached the playoffs since 2013 and have a number of holes to fill on their roster.

The only player close to a sure thing is big man Kristaps Porzingis. Point guard Derrick Rose is set to hit free agency, center Joakim Noah is coming off multiple injuries and Knicks President Phil Jackson told reporters that superstar Carmelo Anthony "would be better off somewhere else."

A youth movement and rebuild around Porzingis may be New York's best chance at sustained success moving forward.

In his most recent NBA mock draft, ESPN.com's Chad Ford projected the Knicks to address their backcourt with NC State guard Dennis Smith at No. 8 overall.

He also predicted that the Blazers will take Wake Forest forward John Collins, UCLA center Ike Anigbogu and German forward Isaiah Hartenstein with their three first-rounders.