The New York Knicks reportedly backed off of pursuing a trade for superstar center Anthony Davis before he was shipped to LA.
Going into this offseason, the New York Knicks seemed as if they were one of the favorites to land Anthony Davis. The New Orleans Pelicans were listening to offers for Davis and the Knicks seemed to be in a position to make one. They could’ve given New Orleans a few young players and the No. 3 overall selection for the superstar center.
However, the Los Angeles Lakers ended up with Davis after they traded Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three draft picks to New Orleans. This includes the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft. The Knicks reportedly weren’t even close to getting a deal done.
Now, reports are coming out that the Knicks actually backed off their pursuit of Davis. Apparently, the Pelicans weren’t drawn to any of the young players the Knicks were offering.
Marc Berman of the New York Post writes, “While the Knicks had interest in the superstar center, talks with New Orleans’ new general manager, David Griffin, were preliminary and brief ever since he began soliciting offers two weeks ago. Davis is headed to the Lakers after Saturday’s blockbuster agreement.
“The sense is the Knicks believed they could not match the demands of the Pelicans and essentially backed off.”
It seems the Knicks aren’t getting any closer to signing eventual free agent point guard Kyrie Irving either. According to Anthony Puccio of NetsDaily, the Brooklyn Nets and Irving are close to a done deal. This would become official when the NBA Free Agency period opens June 30.
New York still has a chance to sign Warriors forward Kevin Durant though. However, with his ruptured Achilles sustained in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Durant may not be able to see the floor until the 2020-2021 season.
