The New York Knicks could trade for superstar big man Anthony Davis, but the Carmelo Anthony trade is causing some to be skeptical.
The Carmelo Anthony trade is a curious chapter in New York Knicks history. Eight years in the future, it’s still relevant. According to Ian Begley of SNY, some in the organization feel that trading for Anthony Davis would be a repeat of the Melo trade from 2011.
“It’s unclear how far along — if at all — any of that dialogue was,” Begley wrote, “but some people in the organization were uncomfortable with the idea of trading away significant assets for Davis, citing the way things played out for New York in the wake of the Carmelo Anthony trade, per SNY sources.”
The Knicks cannot let this fear keep them from going all in on Davis. Right now, he could be their best chance at acquiring one superstar let alone two. Kevin Durant’s future is in doubt, Kyrie Irving seemingly is smitten with the Brooklyn Nets, and Kemba Walker has hinted that he wants to make it work with the Charlotte Hornets.
Trading for Davis would ensure that the Knicks wind up with a top-five player in the NBA. That might be enough to sway a player like Irving or Walker to come to New York as well.
It’s not easy to get a top-tier superstar in the NBA and there’s no telling when they might have another chance to do that. Everything should be on the table for the Knicks, but it might not be that easy. According to reports, the Pelicans want an All-Star, a potential All-Star, and draft picks. The Knicks will have to find an All-Star from a third team.
Begley notes that the Knicks have explored the possibility of involving a third team to facilitate a trade for Davis. This comes after Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin isn’t “convinced” a two-team deal will meet his asking price.
Look for the Knicks to remain in the hunt for Davis despite any concerns about what went down in New York after the Melo trade.
