Pelicans Rumors: Top 5 New York Knicks assets in an Anthony Davis trade

#2) 2021 Unprotected first round pick

Alright, things are beginning to heat up. This draft asset is a little less complex than the aforementioned protected pick in 2023. It has zero protections alongside it. The Dallas Mavericks have to send the Atlanta Hawks their first-round pick this year if it falls outside of the top 5, which is mathematically probable. That then means in 2021, no matter where the Dallas Mavericks land in the standings, their pick belongs to the Knicks.

The Mavericks were a lottery team this year, sitting with a subpar 33-49 record. However, that’s not to say that the same should be expected moving forward. They have rookie sensation Luka Doncic, who’s game is likely to develop into stardom. And now they have teamed him up with Kristaps Porzingis, who’s game needs no introduction. That tandem should immediately induce fear, but can we fully expect a turnaround in just two seasons?

Porzingis has been no stranger to injury in his tenure in New York, and for the team to succeed, he needs to be on the floor. The Mavericks also play in a loaded western conference that could introduce new powers with this upcoming free agency class. Yes, they have potential, but they should not be considered a sure thing quite yet.

So, if they do flop, this pick has the prospect of being a high lottery pick in 2021. If they sit around .500, it could still convey to a lottery pick in the top 14. But if they turn into the next mega power out west, it would land in the 20-30 range. The Knicks benefit from any Mavericks hardship, and in a hypothetical trade for Anthony Davis, the Pelicans do too.