Marc Berman reports that New York Knicks General Manager Scott Layden may be willing to part with the Knicks' lottery pick for a proven veteran.

Layden, who in his three drafts has yet to keep a pick, is more than willing to make deals if he feels it will improve the team.

"I think we'll go into this draft and see what the best thing we can get out of it," Layden said. "If it means using it in a trade, we've shown we'll do that. And we'll do it again if that improves our team."

Layden traded his first-round selections in 2000 and in 2002- the trade in 2002 bringing in Antonio McDyess. He was left without a first-round pick in 2001 because of the Patrick Ewing trade.

Layden could also sweeten a trade package by offering one of two second-round picks owned by the Knicks, one of which is 31st overall.