1. Kristaps Porzingis
Stunning if he went to New Orleans, Kristaps Porzingis represents the New York Knicks’ most intriguing trade asset for a potential deal, as well as their most complicated one, given the events of the past 12 months.
Porzingis has sat out since February 2018 with a torn left ACL, but the team will re-evaluate him shortly. That’s good news for both sides, but if the Pelicans call for him, that makes an eventual return a showcase situation.
Trading Porzingis for Davis is a risk. Both players have proven the ability to shine as the NBA’s best big men, but the Latvian only showed this for a half-season, before suffering the injury. The 25-year-old star has done this every year since 2015.
If the Knicks must start any trade with Porzingis, however, how much else will it take? It’s an injury liability for the Pelicans to assume, so they may want something extra. Is that worth including Knox, Robinson, a first-round pick or two of these three pieces?
Davis is an elite talent, but Porzingis showed this ability before the injury. Whether that remains upon return remains unknown and a chance for the Knicks to take. Maybe the torn ACL depleted his mobility in live action, and New York is stuck with him after letting Davis move elsewhere.
It’s perhaps the most interesting decision for the Knicks to make. Is Porzingis actually untouchable or a worthwhile piece to acquire Davis?