Report: New York Knicks interested in landing Blazers' first-round pick

Coming off a 31-51 season, their fourth straight with a losing record, the New York Knicks appear to be eager to make moves to kick start their rebuild.

According to a report from Sporting News, the Knicks are in talks with the Portland Trail Blazers to acquire one of three first-round picks Portland has for the upcoming NBA draft. The Blazers have picks 15, 20 and 26.

Portland has a projected payroll of more than $137 million and the luxury tax line is projected to be $121 million, meaning the Blazers would be paying a tax unless they make some moves.

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According to the report, the Blazers might ask the Knicks to take one of their large contracts in a deal for a pick or picks.

The Knicks, who have the eighth overall pick, appear ready to rebuild around Kristaps Porzingis and center Willy Hernangomez. Team president Phil Jackson recently said that star forward Carmelo Anthony would be better off somewhere else. Point guard Derrick Rose was on a one-year deal. Joakim Noah played in 46 games, after playing in 29 the year before in Chicago. Courtney Lee signed a multi-year deal, but only gave the team 10.8 points per game last year, playing more than 31 minutes per game.

Former coach and player Mark Jackson said recently that the Knicks' struggles show that team president Phil Jackson has been a failure so far. If Jackson and the Knicks make this move, while it won't be something that helps them win right away, could lay the foundation for a better team down the road.