Knicks, Bulls Reportedly Interested in Drafting Josh Jackson

The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks reportedly have interest in selecting Kansas star Josh Jackson in the 2017 NBA draft on Thursday. 

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported Jackson is a "name of strong interest" for both the Knicks and Bulls in the draft. 

If either the Bulls or Knicks want to have a shot at drafting Jackson, it will likely require a blockbuster trade. The Knicks currently own the No. 8 selection, and the Bulls' first choice comes at No. 16. 

Both teams have stars being mentioned in trade rumors leading up to the draft. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported Bulls star Jimmy Butler would be in favor of a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers and has spoken with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. 

ESPN's Marc Stein reported Monday the Cavaliers were trying to piece together multiteam scenarios with the hope of acquiring Butler. 

Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported Knicks President Phil Jackson hasn't ruled out trading Kristaps Porzingis, and there is a "frenzy of interest is growing" from teams around the NBA. 

Jackson is regarded as one of the top players in this year's draft class, with B/R's Jonathan Wasserman having him go No. 2 to the Los Angeles Lakers in his most recent mock draft.