The New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans appear to be done engaging in trade talks surrounding Anthony Davis—for now.
After completing a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicks appear to be stepping back from the Anthony Davis sweepstakes. The New Orleans Pelicans star is still on the trade block, but it’s unclear when and where he will be traded.
The Knicks haven’t talked to the Pelicans about an Anthony Davis trade since they moved Kristaps Porzingis last week, per @wojespn: https://t.co/pOj5vWYTTU
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 5, 2019
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN is reporting that the Pelicans rejected a Knicks offer centered around Kristaps Porzingis.
Following the trade of Porzingis, the Knicks have assets to make a reasonable offer for Davis. The catch is that the Pelicans will want to wait and see where the Knicks’ lottery pick ends up. Should the Knicks secure the first-overall pick (aka Zion Williamson), they would have the centerpiece to a tantalizing trade package.
Furthermore, the Pelicans know that if they trade Davis to the Knicks prior to the trade deadline, the Knicks would surely rise from the bottom of the standings. Of course, it’s far too late in the season for a playoff run, but Davis would elevate the Knicks from their current standing as the worst team in the league.
Unless the Lakers extend a “Godfather offer” complete with young players and a chest of future first-round draft picks, the Pelicans seem intent to wait for the summer.
At that point, the Knicks and Pelicans might re-engage in talks. But until then, it appears the Knicks are bowing out of the Anthony Davis sweepstakes.
