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This Anthony Davis trade would positively rewrite the narrative surrounding Knicks

By Allen Settle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass as Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks defends in the second half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 106-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass as Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks defends in the second half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 106-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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I can already feel the ire of Knicks fans. The moment the title was read, I imagine most New York faithful felt anger and frustration well up inside. Why would the Knicks even consider trading their stash of assets for an oft-injured star in Anthony Davis who isn’t elevating his current team? The notion seems ridiculous? Right?

Or could there be merit in considering such a deal (at the right price of course)? And is there a trade path that makes sense for both teams? If you’d allow me, I’d love to explore the nuance of why I believe that considering an AD to the Knicks trade is in the franchise’s best interest.

The superstar infusion for the Knicks

I get it. Anthony Davis is no longer thought of as the same bonafide, young superstar that he was during the end of his tenure in New Orleans. A combination of injuries, shooting woes, and a tendency to disappear at times has caused his evaluation to shift considerably.

But I urge you not to look past what Davis still is. His 23.2 points per game over the past two seasons is right in line with his career average of 23.8. He is still on the fringe of double-digit rebounds per game. And he is still an elite shot blocker and defensive presence. Also, he is still only 29 years old.

For all of the hope and hype surrounding each class of superstar, reality has shown that star players are not gravitating toward the Knicks. LeBron passed them up. Twice. Prime Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving elected to land with the crosstown Nets. The list of superstars over the past decade who spurned an opportunity to play in MSG is depressingly long.

For all the talk of star acquisition, what is the Knicks’ actual path toward an infusion of All-Star talent? Perhaps Barrett makes a late leap into stardom. If he does not, where does this leave the current incarnation of the Knicks? With an overpaid and underperforming big three of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and Barrett.

I get the temptation to hold on to what we have and hope for the best. But, in a vacuum, isn’t it at least worth considering what it would cost to move off some of their bad contracts and non All-Star players in exchange for a 20+ point, 10+ rebound star?

This brings us to…

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