Photo Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

GET OUT OF THE WATER, PHIL! Actually… don’t. Photo Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks have the fourth pick in this year’s draft, zero second rounders, no picks next year, and no second rounder in 2018. The Sixers have the third overall pick this year, five second rounders, likely four first rounders next year, and enough second rounders until 2020 to build an expansion team.

Phil Jackson reportedly has his eyes set on Jahlil Okafor. If he’s not available, according to Chris Sheridan, the Knicks would likely try to get rid of their pick to acquire more picks later. Jackson “is inclined to trade down in exchange for multiple picks in this year’s draft and in future drafts,” according to Sheridan. “The educated guess here is that he will go back and forth with Sam Hinkie of Philadelphia and Danny Ainge of Boston in an effort to restock the cupboard.”

There would be no real gain in taking Okafor at number three with the intent to flip him to the Knicks, since they don’t have much in terms of draft picks to exchange. But if Okafor goes in the top two picks, it’s reasonable that Hinkie can package one of those semi-protected first rounders next year, a couple of seconds, and walk out of the 2015 draft with two top-four players. Look at it like this: They could give NYK the Lakers’ pick (which Howard Eskin is convinced will be in the mid-20s next year) and end up walking out with two of Russell/Mudiay/Porzingis/Winslow/Hezonja or anyone else they want. It would be one hell of a deal for Hinkie, a good move for Jackson, and (I’m guessing) a great move in ticket/jersey sales, especially now that Joel Embiid jerseys will potentially be collector’s items. #DoTheDeal