New York Knicks: Predicting offseason trade destinations for Frank Ntilikina

4. New Orleans Pelicans

Berman noted in his report, Ntilikina is “obviously” available in Anthony Davis trade talks with the New Orleans Pelicans. Either way, he’s a logical option to join a potential package to acquire the multi-time All-Star.

To acquire someone of Davis’ caliber, the New York Knicks may have to empty the cupboard, and that goes beyond Ntilikina. Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, Allonzo Trier and first-round picks are all worthy of joining an offer, but even that might not be enough to lure this star from the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.

In New Orleans, Ntilikina would settle into a lower pressure situation. There’s no New York spotlight on him, and the Pelicans are in for a rebuild this next season. That leaves ample opportunity to play, develop and become the player predicted out of the 2017 NBA Draft.

Is it as a point guard? If Jrue Holiday stays and wants to play off the ball, maybe so — a risk for New Orleans to take since Ntilikina struggled as a primary ball handler. So, if anything, he can settle into a defensive specialist role for the time being.

The Pelicans are an easy suitor for Ntilikina, but it depends if the Knicks enough pieces to acquire Davis. Matching what Boston will bring to the table could prove difficult.