Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |
Anthony Davis would certainly consider re-signing with the Knicks if he felt he could be successful in New York, per SNY sources familiar with the matter. And here's how a Davis to New York trade could work:
Since the goal would likely be to pair Davis with two other stars, the Knicks would first sign their two max free agents in early July, using nearly all of their $70-plus million in cap space.
They would then have to send out roughly $21.6 million in salary to satisfy NBA trade rules in a swap for Davis, who is making $27 million in 2019.
There are different ways to get to $21.6 million, but the easiest way to get there is to include their 2019 first-round pick. (The No. 1 pick can earn $9.7 in his first season.)
It's worth noting, however, that there is no consensus among the Knicks as to whether they would include the 2019 No. 1 pick in a deal for Davis or any other star.
A package of the No. 1 pick, Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr. and Kevin Knox would work under the NBA's trade stipulations.
If the Knicks include their 2019 first-round pick in the deal, they would have to wait 30 days until after the date that the rookie signed the contract to complete the deal, per NBA rules.
You can expect the Pelicans to ask for 21-year-old center Mitchell Robinson and additional draft picks in any Davis talks. Including this year's pick, the Knicks have seven first-round picks in the next five years.
There are scenarios where the Knicks can trade Davis without giving up its 2019 first-round pick. One scenario? They could sign one max free agent and still trade for Davis without giving up the 2019 top pick. It seems like a safe bet that they'd have to give up future first-round picks to make a deal work