New York Knicks: Five scenarios if no superstars sign in free agency

3. Make a bolder trade

The Anthony Davis trade is one route, but not the only superstar for the New York Knicks to potentially target if they want to take bolder action. It will still mean sending assets away, but if this means salvaging free-agent disappointment, it is an interesting step.

Washington’s Bradley Beal is one option, as the Wizards trend downward and lose John Wall for most, if not all, of the 2019-20 season.

Beal will only be age 26 for next year, and while owed $27 million then and $28 million in 2020-21, the Knicks will have slightly more team control. That may negatively impact their cost in assets, but this is the viable, long-needed backcourt player.

While not as big a star and on the wrong side of 30, Mike Conley is an option, especially if the Knicks lose on point guards in the draft and free agency. His contract is only guaranteed through 2019-20, with an Early Player Termination Option for 2020-21 worth $34 million.

Other players will unexpectedly hit the trade block, as well. Kyrie Irving did not seek out of Cleveland until late in the 2017 offseason. The Dwight Howard trade of 2012 took until August to happen.

The Knicks will have a trade market to choose from if necessary. This means sending pieces from their current roster, but if headling players are the endgame for 2019-20, it could mean a 15-man overhaul is ahead.