9: Zion Williamson
Now, this is the big one. Zion Williamson has been linked to the Knicks since he was drafted, and his best friend, Barrett was drafted by New York.
When the third member of the famous Duke trio was traded to the Knicks, it almost made this inevitable, and after New Orleans’ competitive run in the playoffs, it makes even more sense.
Williamson is seemingly unhappy, and the Pelicans aren’t even using him for advertising in 2023, and while that’s not the be-all, end-all, it’s not a great sign.
New York may have to surrender more than it’d like in this deal, but if the Knicks could reunite the Duke trio, along with some good veterans, that could be a winning basketball team.
Everyone in the NBA knows this is a possibility, or at least somewhat desired from each party, and while adding a big name with such dominant physical traits would be ideal for New York, it may not be possible this offseason.
Pass or pursue: This is one the Knicks should definitely pursue, and while it’s not likely this summer, in the future, it seems almost inevitable that Williamson will end up in the Big Apple.