29 teams ranked from least to most likely to trade for Anthony Davis
#1 New York Knicks
Unlike the Celtics, the New York Knicks have no uncertainty going into the summer. The Knicks stink, and they want to improve. They have the practical cap space to do some crazy things this summer, and landing a superstar like Anthony Davis is at the top of their To-Do List. They’ve been linked to going after players like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, so imagine pairing one of those guys with AD. They’ll do whatever they can to make something like this happen.
For the Pelicans, there is plenty to like about a possible Knicks offer for AD. In fact, New Orleans has already begun gathering intel on Knicks’ rookie Knox, because it’s already apparently expected that New York is going to come calling about Davis very soon anyway. The Knicks also have some other young guys they could throw into the mix, including players like Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith, and Mitchell Robinson.
The obvious thing we haven’t touched on yet is New York’s 2019 first round draft pick, which would definitely be included in this deal as well. Like the Cavs and Suns, the Knicks also share the best odds of winning the #1 overall selection in the draft lottery, which translates directly to the addition of Zion Williamson to their roster. However, of these three teams, New York seems to be more willing than anyone to trade this pick away with their favorable cap situation leading them to an opportunity to win now if they can add the right players this summer.
Because of their assumed willingness to get crazy, and the Pelicans’ scouting of Kevin Knox that’s already begun, the New York Knicks now seem like the most likely team to make a trade for Anthony Davis.
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It’s primed to be a crazy offseason as teams across the league pick up the phone to ask about the New Orleans Pelicans’ desires in an Anthony Davis trade. However, not all offers are created equally, and certain teams will understand that their current situations just aren’t conducive to taking on AD’s expiring contract. Look for the Knicks, Celtics, Clippers, and Lakers to continue to be the most likely options here, but anything can happen.