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

Con: Trade likely wipes out Knicks’ assets

While trading Kristaps Porzingis removed the New York Knicks’ best asset, they still have players to use. Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, Frank Ntilikina and the 2019 first-round pick all hold some type of value, and the front office would probably have to part with most, if not all, of those pieces for Anthony Davis.

Beyond that, the Knicks could even send an additional first-rounder. They acquired the Dallas Mavericks’ unprotected 2021 pick and their protected 2023 selection.

Trading these assets removes future flexibility to make roster changes when, inevitably, players join the Knicks to fill championship-aspiring roles. That means relying on the volatile buyout market and minimum-salary moves the offseason afterward.

Plus, the Knicks lose most of their depth that can surround Davis and whoever signs in July. That leaves free-agent scraps to surround the stars, making this a top-heavy roster. This doesn’t mean they can’t find success, but previous Knicks squads had little depth behind the star, Carmelo Anthony.

It’s also a hard reset going against the “developmental” mode the front office preached in September. Almost all youth would be gone, and any chance to recuperate it. Granted, it’s for one of the NBA’s top players, but at an astounding price, especially if the Pelicans already declined the “godfather” offer.

This coincides with waiting. The Knicks would have to trade the farm for Davis, who would alter this franchise’s trajectory for at least one season. So, is erasing most of the roster worthwhile?