NBA trade rumors: Knicks willing to part with 2018 first-rounder for Kyle Lowry?

The New York Knicks have reportedly put a 2018 first-round pick on the table in an effort to acquire point guard Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski:

The New York Knicks are pursuing Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry with a package of Raymond Felton, Metta World Peace and a 2018 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

...

Within the Knicks, there's hesitance on including the draft pick, but there's no chance a deal for Lowry could get done without it, sources said. Nevertheless, there's still doubt on how long New York will keep a pick on the table, sources said.

Earlier Thursday it was reported that the Knicks had interest in Lowry, but it was unclear if they would have the sort of assets that Toronto wanted. The Raptors are rumored to desire a first-round pick in exchange for Lowry, who will be a free agent at the end of this season.

After that Wojnarowski report, ESPN's Chris Broussard tweeted that New York is refusing to include the pick, which is holding up the deal:

Knicks' pursuit of Kyle Lowry being held up by Knicks' refusal to give up 1st round pick, sources say

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) December 12, 2013

According to Wojnarowski, Lowry has wanted to be moved for most of the year. As soon as Toronto shipped Rudy Gay to Sacramento, rumors involving Lowry intensified. Wojnarowski suggests the Knicks' biggest competition for Lowry is their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Nets.

Lowry is averaging 14.6 points, 6.7 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game this season. He would be an upgrade over Raymond Felton, who has struggled for New York and is currently battling a hamstring injury.

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