New York Knicks: Pros and cons of making Anthony Davis trade now

Con: Waiting on Davis may be for the best

The New York Knicks can try for Anthony Davis now, before the Lakers or another interested party acquires him. New Orleans can wait until the summer, though, when the Boston Celtics position themselves to make an offer.

Maybe the Pelicans trade Davis elsewhere, before or after the trade deadline. Hypothetically, that doesn’t officially take the Knicks out of the mix, as they can wait for 2020 to sign him.

By 2020-21, the NBA salary cap will reach $118 million. Not factoring in future rookie-scale deals, the Knicks will have about $95 million available. That’s an unrealistic number since it doesn’t count what could happen in 2019 free agency, but what if New York only signs one marquee free agent and waits on Davis for 2020?

It’s a monumental risk. Davis can go to Los Angeles, Milwaukee or any other destination the Pelicans send him to, and agree to re-sign without testing free agency.

However, not making a trade now allows the Knicks to keep their assets to either work around their 2019 signing and Davis or eye a separate trade. One-year salaries can fill in the open roster spaces.

Waiting would continue New York’s patient approach towards building this team, but this potentially allows Davis to grow fond of his new home, like Paul George did with the Oklahoma City Thunder. But, if there’s no deviating from the plan, then this is the way to go.