Report: Knicks Talking Trade with Cavs to Move Up in Draft Amid Obi Toppin Buzz
The New York Knicks have reportedly discussed trading the Nos. 8 and 23 overall picks in the 2020 NBA draft to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for the fifth selection.
Kelsey Russo of The Athletic reported the Cavs are "holding out for more" ahead of Wednesday night's draft.
It's hard to say whether a trade is possible since it appears both New York and Cleveland are targeting the same top-10 prospect: Dayton forward Obi Toppin.
Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer reported the Cavaliers are willing to trade down a "few spots" in order to pick up some extra assets, but they don't want to fall out of Toppin's range.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News noted it "wouldn't be surprising" if the Knicks made a draft-day move to land the reigning Naismith Trophy winner.
Toppin averaged 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 blocks across 31 appearances for Dayton during the 2019-20 season. He showcased tremendous offensive potential, shooting 63.3 percent from the field, including 39.0 percent from three-point range.
There have been questions about whether his frame (6'9", 220 lbs) will allow him to match up with NBA post players, though. The 22-year-old New York native isn't concerned.
"I'm in the weight room every Monday, Wednesday and Friday working on my body," Toppin told reporters last week. "I've been working on that a lot and I feel I'm going to prove a lot of people who feel I can't play defense—I'm going to prove a lot of people wrong."
If the Knicks' goal in moving up to No. 5 is landing Toppin, it could ultimately be a moot point, however, since the Chicago Bulls own the fourth overall pick and are also a potential landing spot for the Flyers standout.
That said, there are far more questions than answers about what's going to happen once the draft gets underway Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. It should create a chaotic, entertaining night around the NBA.
