The Knicks nearly traded Iman Shumpert at the February deadline, and according to the latest personnel whispers, have explored the possibility of moving him for a late first-round pick in Thursday's draft proceedings.

The Knicks are said to prefer to buy a late first-rounder or early second-rounder, but that might prove difficult, especially because they can't spend the full $3.2 million allowed by league rules in trades until July, having burned $1.4 million in the transaction with Toronto to acquire Andrea Bargnani.

Some of the teams that previously expressed interest in Shumpert also have picks in the range New York is said to be targeting ... and in some cases multiple picks. Oklahoma City currently holds the 21st and 29th picks; Phoenix is said to be willing to part with No. 27, because it has two other turns (Nos. 14 and 18) in the first round; and the Los Angeles Clippers are picking 28th.

Grantland's Zach Lowe, meanwhile, tossed out a warning via Twitter on Monday morning to keep an eye on Miami trying to tempt the Knicks by offering the No. 26 pick for Shumpert.