Garland jumps into Knick mix

The Knicks are preparing for the possibility of trading down in the draft and working out wild-card prospect Darius Garland today, a source confirmed.

Despite ESPN reporting Garland as a “serious consideration for the No. 3 pick,” it’s more likely just due diligence. The Knicks’ long-assumed plan is to draft RJ Barrett, the athletic wing from Duke, if he’s still available at No. 3.

The Grizzlies pick second and are expected to draft Ja Morant after the Pelicans select Zion Williamson.

Garland is a possibility if the Knicks are enticed to trade the pick, and his workout is a sign that’s at least in contemplation for team president Steve Mills. The Knicks similarly met with Cam Reddish and Jarrett Culver, two players who, like Garland, are slotted for the 4-to-10 range.

Garland’s lastminute workout with the Knicks, scheduled just a day before the draft, might conflict with his NBA Draft media session today, according to ESPN. The Knicks reportedly turned down an offer to trade the third pick for Atlanta’s 8th and 10th picks. The Pelicans are another possible trade partner. After drafting Williamson first overall, they could look to deal the fourth pick — just acquired in a trade for Anthony Davis — to either move up or down.

Pairing Williamson and Barrett is tempting as the two became close friends while at Duke.

Garland, 19, is more of an unknown prospect after missing most of his freshman season because of surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Still just 19, he was the No. 1 point guard in the 2018 high school class but managed just five games with Vanderbilt before the knee injury.

He has also reportedly worked out for the Lakers (who, at the time, were picking 4th), the Cavaliers (5th) and the Bulls (7th).

The Knicks worked out Barrett last week and interviewed Morant, who is recovering from minor knee surgery. Barrett declined to work out for the Grizzlies and professed his desire to play in New York, where his father played basketball (at St. John’s) and his mother grew up (in Brooklyn).

The Knicks haven’t picked as high as third in a draft since landing Patrick Ewing first overall in 1985. They would’ve had the second overall pick in 2006 (LaMarcus Aldridge) but traded it a year earlier for Eddy Curry.