New York Knicks: Top five trade assets before 2019 NBA Draft

4. Dallas’ 2021 first-round pick

One of the two first-round picks acquired in the Porzingis trade, the New York Knicks have an unprotected 2021 selection from the Dallas Mavericks. It will only convey that year if Dallas’ 2019 first-round pick conveys to the Atlanta Hawks at the lottery.

If this falls New York’s way, it immediately becomes an intriguing asset for trade. Rarely do the blue and orange have this luxury, as previous front offices sent picks away for win-now veterans who did not help this team win a championship.

Maybe the Knicks opt to keep this pick for two years, but if the right superstar becomes available — let’s say, Anthony Davis — it basically becomes a necessity to include this draft choice, because no one knows how the 2021 class will shape up.

Another superstar may become available, as well, with the frequent movement of top players over the past 10 years. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are some of the most recent stars to move via trade, so someone could unexpectedly join them.

Plus, the Knicks can also move this pick and hope Dallas is a playoff team in two years. That takes it out of the lottery, which has revamped odds that makes it easier for franchises closer to the playoffs, record wise, to win the first overall pick.

This pick has sustainable value for two years, and it could only rise if the Mavericks continue to sit outside the playoffs. That gives this asset unique potential, but a disappointing downside if the Doncic-Porzingis duo becomes a powerhouse.