Daily Knicks
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
New York Knicks, RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes
Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, New York Knicks. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The price tag

This is really where this conversation gets interesting! One Bleacher Report trade suggests that the Knicks would have to part with the following assets to get a deal done:

  • RJ Barrett
  • Mitchell Robinson
  • Obi Toppin
  • Quentin Grimes
  • 2023 first-round pick
  • Protected 2023 first-round picks via DET, WAS, DAL,
  • 2025 first-round pick via MIL

Let me be clear. I would not engage in this deal! Even as an AD to the Knicks apologist, this price tag surpasses my value threshold. Pulling the trigger on this trade would leave New York void of the players and assets to build anything apart from mediocrity around their new star.

But what if the price could be lowered? I think this is a reasonable possibility based on one key factor: the Lakers’ dire roster situation.

LeBron’s window is closing. And the Lakers are in need of a talent overhaul to give him a chance to even make the postseason field. For this reason, I believe that LA will be aggressively seeking to retool its roster.

Allow me to offer the following counter:

For the record, if pressed, I could be persuaded to add a pick swap in the deal as well.

The Lakers would add shooting in Fournier and across the board. They would get a huge boost in athleticism and defense with Barrett and Toppin. Randle could play the five. And, for the first time in a while, LeBron would have legitimate spacing around him. Plus, the two draft picks would provide assets to further improve a roster in dire need of a shakeup.

On a side note, the picks would also put Los Angeles in a position to move forward with a long-rumored trade sending Russell Westbrook and picks to the Pacers for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.

This sets up the Lakers for a potential lineup that features:

  • PG: LeBron James
  • SG: Buddy Hield
  • SF: RJ Barrett
  • PF: Julius Randle
  • C: Myles Turner
  • Bench: Obi Toppin, Evan Fournier, Lonnie Walker, and Dennis Schroder

I don’t know that this is the best package that LA might receive for Davis. But, all things considered, I do think it would give New York a legitimate chance at a star.

The Knicks, on the other hand, would add a legitimate superstar before his 30th birthday and would retain supporting talent in Brunson, Grimes, Quickley, and Derrick Rose. Additionally, they would move off of Randle and Fournier’s contracts, while retaining some draft capital along the way.

For the record, retaining Robinson, whose salary becomes nearly impossible to include if Randle is part of the deal, could prove quite valuable. Despite his seven-foot frame, Davis has long lamented playing center. Keeping Robinson at the five would allow Davis to stay at his preferred power forward position. Since injuries are a legitimate concern, this could limit wear and tear on Davis’ body.

While Beverley, Nunn, and Brown are included only to make the salaries match, they could also prove as serviceable depth pieces as needed.

Home/Knicks Rumors