Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |
Duke's RJ Barrett will reportedly be there for the Knicks at No. 3 on draft night.
ESPN reported on Wednesday that the Grizzlies, barring something unforeseen, "appear to have locked in" on selecting Murray State's Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The report states that Memphis has begun informing other parties of its decision.
If Memphis takes Morant at No. 2, that would leave Barrett available for the Knicks at No. 3.
It would not be a surprise if the Knicks took Barrett at No. 3. This is widely considered a three-player draft at the top with Duke's Zion Williamson, Morant and Barrett.
There's no reason for the Knicks to commit to taking Barrett more than four weeks from the draft. They will assuredly take and make calls on potential trades between now and June 20.
On Wednesday, the club met with Morant in Chicago, sources confirmed to SNY. They also met with Barrett, as reported by SNY contributor Adam Zagoria.
The Knicks also may use the Barrett pick in a potential trade for a veteran such as Anthony Davis. Memphis' Mike Conley is also likely to be available via trade again if the Grizzlies select Morant.
The Knicks' meeting with Morant was first reported by the New York Post.