Trae Young to Interview with Knicks Before NBA Draft; Dad Says He'd Thrive in NY

Former Oklahoma Sooners point guard Trae Young is scheduled to sit down with the New York Knicks on Friday for a formal interview at the NBA combine in Chicago. 

According to the New York Daily News' Stefan Bondy, Young's family "has made no secret that New York is a desirable destination" for the 19-year-old despite the intense scrutiny the Big Apple invites. 

"That's what Trae lives for. He lives for that type of stuff. Just think about it: He's probably the most talked about, most publicized kid in this draft, and he's been through it all," Trae's father, Ray, told Bondy. "Trae's been scrutinized to the point that he has thick skin. None of that stuff is going to bother him."

Barring a trade, the Knicks will be on the clock at No. 9 overall when the draft gets underway June 21 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 

However, it's unclear if Young—who averaged 27.4 points and 8.7 assists per game as a freshman at Oklahoma—will still be available at that point in the lottery. 

Trae Young Highlights vs Rhode Island

In his most recent mock draft, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected Young to the point guard-needy Orlando Magic at No. 6 overall with former Michigan State swingman Miles Bridges penciled in to the Knicks at No. 9.

Of course, Bridges doesn't scream flash the way Young—a premier pull-up artist and three-point marksman—does.

That said, Bridges arguably fills a more important need for the Knicks since they could use help on the wing and already have a pair of young point guards in Frank Ntilikina and Emmanuel Mudiay. 

Plus, general manager Scott Perry has gone on the record and stated the Knicks won't jump for a guard if they don't see one in the draft pool who could make a major impact. 

"It would only make sense if you feel that guard is far and away better than what you have on the roster," he said, per Bondy. "And we haven't been able to make that determination yet."

Young may prove to be that player in time. 

But for now, it sounds like the Knicks have their eyes trained on more versatile wings who can provide a big boost on both ends of the floor.