As the Anthony Davis drama continues to unfold, it appears as though the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks have taken the lead on acquiring the superstar big man. They have been listed as the preferred destinations for the All-Star and with the Celtics waiting on Kyrie Irving’s free agency decision, they may have the best packages to contend for the trade.
However, the Knicks may be hesitant to get deeply involved as SNY’s Ian Begley reports that some within the organization are not in favor of making a trade for Davis:
On the Davis front, some Knicks decision makers have been adamant about not giving up a ton of significant assets — young players or draft picks — in a Davis trade, per SNY sources. Some in the organization are wary of giving up too many young assets or picks for Davis, citing the way things played out for New York in the wake of the Carmelo Anthony trade, per sources.
Meanwhile, Begley reports that the Lakers have “made progress” on a three-team trade while the Knicks have not been able to secure one that would give the Pelicans their desired package.
The Knicks ultimately do not have many high-ceiling young players but do have the third overall pick in the draft. If they throw everything on the table, perhaps they can beat whatever package the Lakers are willing to part with.
However, New York had been hoping to sign Kevin Durant in free agency and then trade for Davis to create a formidable duo. It’s unclear how Durant’s injury will affect that calculus even if they are reportedly still willing to give him a max contract.
Right now, the Celtics’ and Knicks’ hesitation on a trade is working in the Lakers’ favor as both they and the Pelicans would rather get a deal done before the 2019 NBA Draft.
