New York Knicks: Evaluating the Anthony Davis trade assets

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans in action against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 14, 2018 in New York City. The Pelicans defeated the Knicks 123-118 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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Duke Zion Williamson (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2. 2019 first-round pick

Sending the Pelicans a first-round pick seems inevitable for the New York Knicks in a Davis trade. However, it’s as one of the NBA’s worst teams, record wise, which presents a risk for the “developmental” era.

Zion Williamson is the endgame in the 2019 NBA Draft, at least for whoever selects No. 1 overall. With multiple teams in the mix, it’s a “battle” to determine who receives the highest lottery odds. Then, in May, the ping pong balls will decide who picks first, second, third and through No. 14.

Trading a first-round pick means surrendering a chance at Williamson, who could become the game-changing piece towards New York’s rebuild. He instantly becomes the face of Knicks basketball, arguably over Kristaps Porzingis, and the fans will flock to Madison Square Garden.

So, providing the Pelicans with this, unlike what other suitors for Davis can give, makes the Knicks an intriguing candidate. It’s also a risk to lose on someone who potentially become a superstar.

Davis is a star, though, and the Knicks don’t hold guaranteed cards for the top pick, especially with the smoothened lottery odds. It makes this a formality to move, even if this selection becomes RJ Barrett or Ja Morant.

How much weight a first-round pick holds remains to be seen, but it’s at least a prime talking point for the Knicks to acquire Davis.

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