Knicks’ worthless trade asset exposes one of NBA’s stupidest rules

If you’re revving up those fake trade proposals for Giannis Antetokounmpo or the backup point guard the Knicks still haven’t found, you’re better off ignoring first-round picks as a trade asset.

The Knicks, after all, only have one that’s trade eligible. And it’s basically worthless.

Why? It’s the Wizards’ pick acquired in a deal over three years ago, and it’s protected 1 thru 8. If it doesn’t convey this summer – like it didn’t convey last summer, or the summer prior – it becomes two second-round picks.

So yeah, pretty worthless. Just ask other teams how they value that pick. The Wizards, who arrived at MSG for Monday night’s game with a 1-5 record, can guarantee they keep the pick by finishing with one of the worst four records this season.