The New Orleans Pelicans are entering what’s shaping up to be their most important offseason in franchise history. Anthony Davis has demanded a trade. But which team should the Pelicans deal him too? Let’s look at the top 5 assets the New York Knicks possess.
The New York Knicks, just like the New Orleans Pelicans, are also entering what appears to be their most significant offseason in franchise history. The organization has been abysmal this entire millennium, mustering out just four winning seasons since 2000.
However, the organization now has the opportunity to construct a super team that could compete for championships. They have an abundance of cap space, thanks to a trade earlier this season that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas for cap relief and draft capital. The Mavericks agreed to take on some less than flattering contracts the Knicks had, and they sent the Knicks some future first-round draft picks. Thus proving what a talent like Porzingis is worth on the open market—the trade set them up for the future.
With that freed up cap space, the Knicks could offer two max contracts to what is a loaded class of free agents this summer. If they do sign a couple of superstars, let’s say Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, could they pursue Anthony Davis via trade? They have plenty of appealing assets; let’s look at five in particular. But before we dive in, you can read in a previous article we wrote on how this trade might look, here.
Honorable mention: Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. could still develop into a great guard in the NBA. However, he does not fit the mold of the Pelicans rebuild. They have depth at the point guard position, and they desperately need shooting if they were to add in any other guards. Smith Jr. does not shoot the ball well and would not compliment the likes of Jrue Holiday well. He could also complicate matters with Elfrid Payton and Frank Jackson (play time, style,etc.)