Why RJ Barrett may not be a lock for Knicks at No. 3 pick in NBA Draft

Pelicans reportedly want to trade up for No. 2 pick

6/18/2019, 4:48 AM
Mar 31, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward RJ Barrett (5) races after a basket during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the championship game of the east regional of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports / Amber Searls
Mar 31, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward RJ Barrett (5) races after a basket during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the championship game of the east regional of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports / Amber Searls

The Knicks drafting RJ Barrett with the No. 3 pick reportedly may not be that sure of a thing.

According to Marc Berman of The Post, the New Orleans Pelicans have had internal talks to trade up from their recently acquired No. 4 pick from the Los Angeles Lakers to the No. 2 pick so they could select Barrett after taking Zion Williamson with the first overall pick. 

If such a deal were to happen, Murray State's Ja Morant would be the Knicks' best option at 3. 

 

The Grizzlies were reportedly feeling lukewarm on Morant after he had knee surgery, despite making it known early on that they intended to take him with the No. 2 pick. The Knicks held a pre-draft meeting with Morant and he was ahead of Barrett on their pre-draft board before the surgery, per Berman. 

Barrett has made it well known that he wants to play with the Knicks. 

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